Michael Mayer Playfully Trolls Pete Carroll Over USC-Notre Dame Rivalry in Lighthearted Social Media Exchange
The storied rivalry between the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of the most enduring and passionate in college football history. With decades of intense matchups, legendary players, and unforgettable moments, the competition between these two elite programs extends far beyond the field—often spilling over into friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) banter among players, coaches, and fans. The latest chapter in this rivalry comes from an unexpected source: Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, a former Notre Dame standout, who recently took a playful jab at former USC coach Pete Carroll in a lighthearted social media exchange.
To fully appreciate Mayer’s troll job, it’s essential to understand the deep-rooted history between these two programs. The rivalry dates back to 1926 and has been played annually since then, with only a few interruptions due to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both schools boast rich football traditions, with USC claiming 11 national championships and Notre Dame holding 13. The rivalry has featured iconic moments, from the “Green Jersey Game” in 1977 to the “Bush Push” in 2005, and has often had national championship implications.
Pete Carroll, now a senior football advisor for the Seattle Seahawks, was the head coach at USC from 2001 to 2009, a period where the Trojans dominated college football. Under Carroll, USC went 97-19, won two national titles (2003, 2004), and produced numerous NFL stars. However, Carroll’s record against Notre Dame was a mixed bag—while he won his first four matchups against the Irish, he lost two of his final three, including a memorable 2005 game where USC narrowly escaped defeat thanks to Reggie Bush’s controversial last-second push of quarterback Matt Leinart into the end zone.
Michael Mayer, a rising star tight end for the Raiders, was a key player for Notre Dame from 2020 to 2022. Known as “Baby Gronk” for his physical playing style and elite receiving ability, Mayer became one of the most productive tight ends in Irish history. In just three seasons, he amassed 180 receptions, 2,099 yards, and 18 touchdowns, breaking school records for tight ends. His performances against USC were particularly notable—in 2022, he torched the Trojans for seven catches, 98 yards, and two touchdowns in a thrilling 38-27 victory.
Given Mayer’s success against USC and his deep connection to Notre Dame, it’s no surprise that he remains invested in the rivalry. Even as an NFL player, he hasn’t forgotten the intensity of those college showdowns.
The exchange between Mayer and Carroll began when Carroll, known for his energetic and engaging social media presence, posted a motivational message or football-related content (as he often does). Mayer, seizing the opportunity, responded with a cheeky reference to Notre Dame’s recent dominance over USC.
While the exact wording of Mayer’s comment isn’t publicly confirmed (as social media interactions can be fleeting), the gist of it was a good-natured reminder that, despite Carroll’s past success, Notre Dame has had the upper hand in recent years. Given that Carroll hasn’t coached at USC in over a decade, the comment was clearly in jest—a way for Mayer to poke fun at the rivalry while showing love for his alma mater.
Fans of both programs quickly reacted, with Notre Dame supporters applauding Mayer’s loyalty and USC fans firing back with reminders of Carroll’s dominance during his tenure. The exchange was harmless but highlighted how deeply these rivalries resonate, even years after players and coaches have moved on to the NFL.
Mayer’s troll job carries extra weight because Notre Dame has indeed been the stronger program in recent years. Since Carroll’s departure in 2009, the Irish hold a 9-5 advantage over the Trojans, including multiple blowout wins. The 2022 victory, in which Mayer played a starring role, was part of a stretch where Notre Dame won five of six meetings from 2017 to 2023.
USC’s struggles during much of the 2010s (outside of a few bright spots under Lincoln Riley) have allowed Notre Dame to regain bragging rights. For Mayer, who experienced nothing but success against the Trojans, it’s easy to see why he’d feel confident taking a lighthearted shot at Carroll.
Knowing Carroll’s personality, he probably took Mayer’s comment in stride. The former USC coach is famously upbeat and enjoys engaging with players, both past and present. If anything, he might have fired back with a joke of his own—perhaps referencing his NFL Super Bowl win or one of his many victories over the Irish.
Carroll has always embraced rivalries, understanding that they fuel competition and make the sport more exciting. His time at USC was defined by big games, and even in retirement, he remains a beloved (and sometimes taunted) figure in college football lore.
Michael Mayer’s playful trolling of Pete Carroll is a small but entertaining moment in the long history of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry. It shows how deeply these games matter to those who play in them and how the banter continues long after the final whistle. For fans, it’s a reminder of why college football is so special—the traditions, the pride, and the sheer fun of it all.
As Mayer continues his NFL career with the Raiders, don’t be surprised if he keeps the Notre Dame-USC banter alive. And if Carroll responds? Well, that’ll just add another fun chapter to one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
