Overview
- USC and Notre Dame issued a joint statement confirming no game in 2026 and pledging to work toward reviving the series.
- Notre Dame quickly announced a 2026 matchup with BYU to fill the open nonconference date, while USC searches for a replacement opponent.
- Reporting indicates USC pushed for a Week Zero meeting to protect its playoff path following the move to the Big Ten, which Notre Dame turned down.
- Multiple outlets have reported that Notre Dame will have a top‑12 path into the College Football Playoff starting in 2026, a factor that shaped the scheduling calculus.
- Reactions from former Trojans were split, with Matt Leinart defending USC’s decision and Carson Palmer arguing the rivalry should be played every year.