The Weekender: The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC is allegedly in jeopardy, and Big Ten coaches secretly share their opinions about their league rivals.

The landscape of college football is never static—rivalries evolve, conferences shift, and power dynamics transform in the blink of an eye. This week, two major stories have captured the attention of fans and insiders alike. The first concerns the iconic rivalry between Notre Dame and USC, which has stood as a hallmark of college football for nearly a century. Rumors are swirling that this legendary showdown could be in jeopardy as realignment and scheduling conflicts threaten its future.

Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Big Ten coaches have reportedly been sharing their unfiltered thoughts about their conference rivals. From grudging respect to outright disdain, these candid insights offer a glimpse into the true feelings that animate the nation’s most competitive league

The Notre Dame–USC rivalry is one of college football’s most storied and cherished traditions. Since 1926, the Fighting Irish and the Trojans have squared off in a battle that transcends the gridiron. From the glitz of Los Angeles to the hallowed grounds of South Bend, this rivalry has shaped national title races, delivered unforgettable moments, and become a bridge between two of the sport’s blue-blood programs.

Legends like Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, and Reggie Bush have all had their say in this clash. It’s a game that defines seasons and leaves indelible marks on college football lore.

But as conference realignment reshapes the landscape, the future of Notre Dame vs. USC is suddenly uncertain. USC’s departure from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, along with Notre Dame’s ongoing status as an independent, has thrown a wrench into this historic meeting.

Sources close to both programs suggest that scheduling conflicts are the primary concern. With USC adjusting to a more demanding Big Ten slate and Notre Dame locked into its annual arrangement with the ACC, finding a window for the rivalry game has become increasingly complicated.

Another factor driving uncertainty is the financial reality of modern college football. Both programs have lucrative television contracts that heavily influence their scheduling decisions. Additionally, with the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, every game has heightened importance. Programs are increasingly wary of adding high-risk, high-reward matchups that could jeopardize their postseason hopes.

“Notre Dame and USC both want this rivalry to continue—it’s part of their identity,” said a source within the USC athletic department. “But at the same time, there’s pressure to make sure the game fits within the bigger picture of playoff positioning and financial commitments.”

Players and coaches on both sides have expressed their desire to keep the tradition alive. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was blunt in his assessment: “This game means everything to us, and I know USC feels the same. We’ll do everything in our power to make sure it doesn’t disappear.”

Caleb Williams, the Trojans’ Heisman-winning quarterback, added: “Growing up, I always knew about Notre Dame vs. USC. It’s bigger than a single season—it’s about history. I hope the powers that be find a way to keep it going.”

While nothing has been decided, multiple sources suggest that 2026—a key anniversary for the rivalry—could serve as a make-or-break year for its future. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to ensure the rivalry remains an annual fixture, but there’s no official guarantee.

For fans, the idea of losing this game is almost unthinkable. It’s a reminder that even the most hallowed traditions in college football are not immune to the winds of change.

As the Big Ten expands and competition intensifies, coaches find themselves in a pressure cooker of expectations. Every game, every rivalry carries weight—and behind the scenes, coaches are not shy about sharing their real opinions of their peers.

Anonymity has freed them to speak frankly, and the comments they’ve shared with The Weekender paint a vivid picture of the Big Ten’s internal dynamics.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a healthy respect for the top dogs—Ohio State and Michigan.

One coach said, “Ohio State’s offense is a nightmare to prepare for. They can beat you in so many ways, and they’re never really out of a game. It doesn’t matter if they’re down 10 or up 30—they’re coming for your throat.”

Another was equally effusive about Michigan: “They’re as tough as they come. Harbaugh has them believing they can out-physical anyone. Even if you’re prepared, it’s like getting punched in the mouth over and over again.”

Of course, there’s no shortage of barbs for longtime rivals.

One coach took a swipe at Michigan State: “They’re a wildcard. You never know what you’re going to get—some years they’re soft, some years they’re killers. It’s frustrating because they’re so inconsistent.”

Another let slip about Penn State: “They always look the part in September—big, strong, fast. But when it gets real in November, they tend to fade.”

The additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington have sparked fresh concerns—and fresh gossip.

A veteran coach said, “USC is going to be a problem. They have speed and they’re going to bring that West Coast flair to the Big Ten. It’s going to take some adjusting.”

Another coach, however, was skeptical about UCLA: “They’re soft up front. The Big Ten will eat them alive if they don’t toughen up.”

All these comments underscore just how fluid the Big Ten’s power dynamics have become. With new schools joining and playoff implications raising the stakes, every rivalry has a new edge.

“You can’t take anything for granted anymore,” said one defensive coordinator. “Every week is a war—and it’s only going to get nastier.”

For fans of college football, these twin stories—the potential threat to Notre Dame vs. USC and the candid confessions of Big Ten coaches—highlight a broader truth: tradition and change are always in tension.

Notre Dame vs. USC is more than just a game—it’s a symbol of college football’s enduring appeal. Losing it would be a gut punch for generations of fans who grew up with the echoes of “Fight On” and the Golden Dome.

“It’s not just two teams,” said college football historian Bill Connelly. “It’s two coasts, two cultures, meeting in the middle of the American football dream. We can’t let that go away.”

Meanwhile, the Big Ten’s internal squabbles are a reminder that the business of college football is brutal. Respect and animosity go hand in hand. Coaches’ candid comments reveal the thin line between admiration and rivalry.

“Fans don’t realize how much these coaches hate losing to each other,” said a former Big Ten staffer. “It’s personal. And now, with realignment, it’s even more so—because no one wants to be the team that gets left behind.”

In the coming months, university presidents, athletic directors, and television partners will play a pivotal role in shaping the fate of the Notre Dame–USC rivalry. While fans hold their breath, there’s cautious optimism that tradition will ultimately prevail.

“It’s too important to both schools,” said a source familiar with the talks. “They’ll find a way. They have to.”

As for the Big Ten, these backchannel conversations are likely to spill over onto the field. With new powerhouses joining and old rivalries rekindled, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory.

“I’ve been in this league for 20 years,” said one coach. “I’ve never seen it this intense.”

In the end, college football is a living, breathing entity. Rivalries like Notre Dame vs. USC are its heartbeat, and the raw emotions of coaches in the Big Ten are its lifeblood. Change is inevitable, but tradition doesn’t have to be a casualty.

For fans, that’s the hope that keeps them coming back every Saturday: that even as the game evolves, the passion and pageantry will endure.