Notre Dame will host USC this season on October 18th for PrimeTime kickoff & it COULD be the final matchup in South Bend for “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in college football.
The Notre Dame–USC football rivalry, often hailed as “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in college football, is set to add another chapter on October 18, 2025, with a primetime kickoff in South Bend, Indiana. This matchup carries added significance as it could potentially be the final meeting between these storied programs at Notre Dame Stadium.
The rivalry between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans began in 1926 and has since become one of the most iconic in college football. Traditionally, the game is played annually, alternating between South Bend and Los Angeles, with exceptions during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Over the years, both programs have achieved remarkable success, combining for 24 national championships and 15 Heisman Trophy winners .Wikipedia+1Ticketmaster Blog+1Los Angeles Times+2Ticketmaster Blog+2Wikipedia+2
The rivalry has produced numerous unforgettable games:
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1974 – “The Comeback”: USC overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat Notre Dame 55–24, scoring 35 points in the third quarter alone .USC Athletics+1Bleacher Report+1
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2005 – “The Bush Push”: In a controversial finish, USC’s Reggie Bush illegally pushed quarterback Matt Leinart into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, a play that remains a topic of debate .Wikipedia+1Ticketmaster Blog+1
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2023 – Defensive Dominance: Notre Dame’s defense forced five turnovers, including three interceptions of reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams, leading to a 48–20 victory .Athlon Sports
Since 1952, the winner of the Notre Dame–USC game has been awarded the Jeweled Shillelagh, a trophy featuring ruby-studded Trojan heads for USC victories and emerald-studded shamrocks for Notre Dame wins. This symbol of supremacy adds another layer of tradition to the rivalry .Wikipedia+2Ticketmaster Blog+2Wikipedia+2
As conference realignments and scheduling changes loom over college football, the future of this annual matchup remains uncertain. The 2025 game in South Bend could mark the end of an era, making it a must-watch for fans and a poignant moment in the sport’s history.
In a rivalry that has spanned nearly a century, the Notre Dame–USC game continues to capture the imagination of college football enthusiasts. Whether this year’s contest is the final one in South Bend or just another chapter, it promises to deliver the passion, intensity, and drama that have defined this legendary series.A
