Overview

• USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen said the school made a revised multi-year proposal and is "really hopeful" a deal can be reached soon.
• The new offer is designed to better match Notre Dame’s preference for a long-term commitment to the annual matchup.
• Cohen identified the calendar placement as the biggest sticking point, with USC pushing to move the game from midseason to September.
• Notre Dame has publicly advocated for keeping the series every year, as emphasized by athletic director Pete Bevacqua.
• USC had earlier offered only an extension through 2026 while weighing College Football Playoff uncertainty and the added strain of a Big Ten schedule, and no final agreement has been announced.