Should the Notre Dame-USC Football Rivalry Continue? Marcus Freeman Has a Clear, Passionate Message That Leaves No Doubt About Future

When you think of college football’s greatest rivalries, a few names immediately rise to the surface: Ohio State vs. Michigan, Alabama vs. Auburn, Texas vs. Oklahoma. But one of the sport’s most storied and nationally resonant clashes remains the historic feud between Notre Dame and USC. With roots stretching back nearly a century, the rivalry has stood as a cultural and competitive benchmark, uniting tradition with passion, West Coast with Midwest, glamour with grit. Yet in the new age of college football realignment, superconferences, and media-driven schedules, even a cornerstone matchup like Notre Dame versus USC is being examined under a magnifying glass. Questions swirl about the future of the annual meeting, but Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has made one thing abundantly clear: this game must continue.

In the whirlwind of shifting alliances and conference expansions, nothing feels sacred anymore in college football. Longstanding rivalries have already fallen victim to the modern era’s logistical demands. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will no longer play Bedlam every year, Texas and Texas A&M were on hiatus for more than a decade before conference alignment brought them back together. With USC departing the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, and Notre Dame still holding firm to its football independence, concerns about scheduling, television rights, and travel logistics have fueled speculation that the annual matchup might be in jeopardy.

But Marcus Freeman doesn’t share those doubts. If anything, he’s been one of the loudest and most consistent voices in expressing his firm belief that Notre Dame vs. USC must remain a yearly tradition, no matter what. For Freeman, it’s not just about the history or the fanfare—it’s about what the game represents to the identity of Notre Dame football and college football at large.

“There are certain games you just don’t mess with,” Freeman said during a recent media session. “This is one of them. This isn’t just a rivalry. It’s a part of our DNA as a program.”

Freeman, now entering his fourth year as the Fighting Irish head coach, understands the emotional and strategic value of the USC game. He knows that it’s a benchmark for his team every year, regardless of whether it’s in South Bend or Los Angeles. For players, alumni, and fans, it’s one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar. Ending it would, in many eyes, signal a fracture in the very soul of the college football tradition.

The rivalry began in 1926, spurred by a conversation between Notre Dame athletic director Knute Rockne and USC’s counterpart, Gwynn Wilson. What followed was nearly a century of epic battles featuring Heisman winners, national title implications, and unforgettable moments. From the “Bush Push” in 2005 to Joe Montana’s clutch comebacks, and from Lou Holtz vs. John Robinson to Pete Carroll vs. Charlie Weis, Notre Dame vs. USC has been filled with legacy-defining clashes.

It’s not just a game; it’s an event. Two of the most recognizable brands in college football, often playing in front of millions of viewers, separated by thousands of miles but united by fierce competition and mutual respect. In a sport that thrives on narratives, few deliver as consistently as this one.

So why would anyone question its future?

The concerns largely stem from the logistical constraints of modern college football. With USC now a member of the Big Ten, their calendar becomes significantly more packed with high-stakes conference games. Notre Dame, while independent, has contractual obligations with the ACC and a long list of traditional matchups (including Navy and Stanford) that make every schedule a puzzle. There’s also the looming influence of TV networks and playoff expansion, which could prioritize different games to maximize ratings and playoff implications.

Still, Freeman isn’t buying into the scheduling headache excuse. “You figure it out,” he said bluntly. “This is Notre Dame and USC. We owe it to the sport, to our players, and to everyone who’s ever worn these jerseys.”

His message is clear: the rivalry transcends convenience. It’s not supposed to be easy to maintain. That’s what makes it special.

Beyond sentiment, Freeman sees the USC game as a measuring stick for his program. Under his leadership, Notre Dame has sought to reassert itself among college football’s elite, and annual showdowns with powerhouse opponents are crucial to that mission. Facing USC late in the season offers a key opportunity to sharpen his team for postseason play, and in the future, potentially improve Notre Dame’s playoff seeding.

“You want to be a national contender? You play national games,” Freeman explained. “USC is one of those teams. Playing them helps us grow. It tests us in every way.”

The recruiting angle also can’t be ignored. Freeman has emphasized his commitment to recruiting in talent-rich states like California. Beating USC on the field—and doing it in Los Angeles every other year—gives Notre Dame massive visibility with recruits and their families on the West Coast. The impact of the rivalry goes beyond just wins and losses; it’s a strategic asset in building a roster capable of competing at the highest level.

“Recruits know what Notre Dame vs. USC means,” Freeman said. “When you’re playing in that game, under those lights, with that pressure—it sells itself.”

From USC’s side, there’s also strong sentiment to keep the rivalry alive. New head coach Lincoln Riley has spoken about the respect he holds for the tradition and the way the game showcases college football’s best elements. While both schools have challenges with travel and scheduling, there’s a shared understanding that some games are bigger than the logistical headaches.

Of course, maintaining the rivalry will require cooperation at the administrative level. Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame’s outgoing athletic director, and Pete Bevacqua, who is set to take over full-time, both understand the importance of preserving such historic matchups. With playoff expansion likely reducing the margin for error in future seasons, keeping the USC rivalry might demand some schedule gymnastics—but it’s a cost Notre Dame seems willing to pay.

Freeman’s strong stance could play a key role in those discussions. As a young, rising coach with the respect of his locker room and national attention, his voice carries weight both internally and externally. His insistence on the rivalry’s continuation is not just about preserving the past, but about building the future in a way that honors what made Notre Dame football great to begin with.

“It’s easy to tear something down. It’s harder to protect it, to fight for it,” Freeman said. “This rivalry matters. And as long as I’m here, I’ll fight for it.”

At a time when the sport is undergoing seismic changes, that kind of clarity is refreshing. Too often, tradition takes a backseat to profit, brand expansion, or short-term gain. Freeman’s message is a reminder that college football still belongs to the players, the fans, and the moments that can’t be scripted by television executives.

Ultimately, the question of whether Notre Dame and USC continue their annual war may be decided in boardrooms and TV studios, but the heart of the matter is being championed by a coach who sees beyond the next game. Marcus Freeman is thinking about legacy. About identity. About what it means to wear the gold helmet and line up against the Trojans under the lights in late November.

His stance leaves no room for interpretation. For him, and for so many who love college football, Notre Dame vs. USC isn’t just a game on the calendar. It’s a rite of passage. A moment of truth. A piece of Americana that deserves to be protected at all costs.

If college football still values tradition, passion, and timeless excellence, it will heed Freeman’s words. Because when Notre Dame and USC meet on the field, history breathes, and the game feels just a little more whole.