Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Sends Powerful Message to USC, Emphasizing Importance and Intensity of Historic Rivalry Game

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman isn’t one to shy away from a challenge—and when it comes to the historic rivalry with USC, he’s making it clear that the stakes are higher than ever. With a steely tone and unmistakable purpose, Freeman threw down the gauntlet ahead of the next installment of one of college football’s most iconic showdowns, signaling to his team, fanbase, and the Trojans that complacency is no longer tolerated, and excellence is the only standard.

The Notre Dame–USC rivalry is a cornerstone of college football, drenched in tradition, pride, and fierce competition. But Freeman is infusing it with a renewed sense of urgency, one forged by recent results and the realization that this rivalry has to mean more than just history—it has to drive the present and future. In his press conference ahead of preparations for the 2025 matchup, Freeman didn’t mince words. “This game isn’t just another checkmark on our schedule,” he said. “This is personal. This is a measuring stick for who we are as a program.”

It’s the kind of rhetoric that Irish fans have longed to hear. While Notre Dame has enjoyed success against USC over the years—including winning five of the last seven meetings—recent clashes have revealed cracks in the foundation. In last year’s contest at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC outlasted the Irish in a high-scoring affair that exposed defensive lapses and offensive inconsistencies. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Freeman, who had emphasized the rivalry’s importance during his first season at the helm. Now, entering his fourth year, he’s taking a more aggressive stance, one that demands buy-in from every corner of the program.

“I told our guys in the locker room—this isn’t just about beating USC,” Freeman said. “It’s about dominating them. It’s about setting a tone, a culture, and a message that Notre Dame doesn’t just show up to play; we show up to impose our will.”

That kind of edge is becoming a hallmark of the Freeman era. Since taking over in 2022, he’s instilled a hard-nosed, competitive mentality in South Bend. But the results have been a mixed bag. The Irish have flirted with national prominence, posting back-to-back 10-win seasons, but have yet to make the College Football Playoff under Freeman’s leadership. Beating a bitter rival like USC decisively would go a long way in cementing Notre Dame’s return to true contender status.

Freeman’s comments are more than motivational—they’re strategic. He understands the psychological component of a rivalry game. These contests aren’t won solely by game plans or talent but by emotion, intensity, and conviction. And by putting USC squarely in the crosshairs months ahead of the actual kickoff, he’s planting a flag and setting the tone for his players.

“There’s going to be pressure, and that’s what we want,” Freeman said. “We want to feel that pressure in the weight room, in the film sessions, during spring ball. That pressure should be our fuel.”

The message is resonating. Several players, including team captain and veteran linebacker JD Bertrand, echoed Freeman’s sentiments. “Coach lit a fire under us,” Bertrand said. “That game matters so much. It’s about legacy. And for us older guys, it’s about leaving this place better than we found it.”

Freeman’s approach also speaks volumes to recruits. In an era where NIL deals and transfer portal opportunities dominate headlines, rivalries like Notre Dame–USC are still powerful recruiting tools. A coach who leans into that emotional intensity can sway prospects who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Freeman has already proven to be one of the most dynamic recruiters in college football, and his passion for the rivalry is a continuation of that strategy.

“You don’t come to Notre Dame for easy Saturdays,” Freeman said. “You come here to be part of games that matter, games that define programs, games that are talked about for decades. That’s what USC–Notre Dame is.”

But the rivalry is more than just words—it’s about results. Notre Dame’s offense under new quarterback CJ Carr, the five-star freshman with massive expectations, will be tasked with outdueling USC’s high-octane attack. And the Irish defense, which has added key transfers and returning veterans alike, will need to deliver its most disciplined and explosive performance of the season. It’s a tall order, but one that Freeman believes is absolutely necessary.

“If we’re going to win the games that matter most, we have to be at our best against the teams that test us the most,” Freeman said. “That’s what USC is—they’re a test. But we’re not just trying to pass. We’re trying to make a statement.”

Notre Dame’s fans have taken notice, too. The rivalry, which once carried national title implications nearly every year, has ebbed and flowed over the decades. But Freeman’s commitment to restoring its fire is a jolt of energy for a fanbase hungry for greatness. There’s a palpable sense that the next clash in South Bend could be the most emotionally charged in years.

There’s also historical weight to Freeman’s words. The Notre Dame–USC rivalry dates back to 1926 and is one of the few rivalries that regularly pits two college football blue bloods from opposite coasts. It’s also the only rivalry in which both teams have won at least 11 national championships and produced multiple Heisman winners. That’s the kind of heritage Freeman is tapping into, not just to motivate but to elevate.

“I’ve told our guys—we’re part of something that stretches back almost a century,” Freeman said. “And every time we step on the field against USC, we’re writing another chapter. Let’s make sure this one is unforgettable.”

Behind the scenes, Freeman is reportedly dialing up preparation months in advance. The coaching staff has devoted portions of spring and summer film sessions to USC’s tendencies. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has been tasked with revamping blitz packages specifically tailored to the Trojans’ offense, while offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is designing new tempo-based schemes to exploit USC’s vulnerable secondary.

“There’s no room for surprises in a rivalry like this,” Freeman said. “We need to anticipate, execute, and outfight them in every phase of the game.”

That intensity is becoming a calling card. Notre Dame is starting to mirror Freeman’s persona—gritty, unflinching, and willing to speak with action. His challenge to the team, to the fanbase, and directly to the USC program isn’t just lip service—it’s a calculated cultural shift.

In a sport where rivalries can sometimes be reduced to marketing slogans or ceremonial pageantry, Freeman’s vision is a breath of fresh air. He’s made it clear that he wants Notre Dame–USC to matter again, not just in lore, but in championship implications and national relevance.

“We respect the rivalry. We respect USC,” Freeman said. “But we’re done being polite about it. From now on, we’re going to bring the fight to them—every snap, every second, every Saturday.”

It’s a gauntlet thrown with force, and one that signals a new chapter in the rivalry. Whether Freeman’s Irish can meet the challenge on the field remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—the fight is on, and Marcus Freeman is leading it with fire in his voice and purpose in his step.