Unwavering Challenge: Marcus Freeman Declares Notre Dame’s Readiness for USC Showdown, Emphasizing Immaterial Timing in Fierce Rivalry

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where conference realignments and expanded playoff formats constantly threaten the sanctity of historic rivalries, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has emerged as a staunch defender of tradition, particularly when it comes to the storied annual clash with USC. His recent declaration, “Bring on USC. When? I don’t care,” resonates as a powerful statement of intent, not just for his program, but for the very soul of the sport itself. It’s a bold assertion that transcends the tactical nuances of scheduling and plunges into the deep emotional wellspring of college football’s most cherished contests.

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry, a transcontinental spectacle that has captivated fans for nearly a century, stands at a precarious crossroads. With USC’s move to the Big Ten, the future of the series beyond the currently scheduled 2025 matchup in South Bend is shrouded in uncertainty. While some on the West Coast, notably USC head coach Lincoln Riley and athletic director Jennifer Cohen, have hinted at the logistical challenges of maintaining the annual game, citing Big Ten commitments and playoff aspirations, Freeman’s response is a resounding rejection of such pragmatic considerations. For him, the question isn’t if they should play, but when they can, and the answer to the latter is unequivocally, “anytime.”

This isn’t merely about wins and losses, although Notre Dame has enjoyed a significant advantage in recent years, winning six of the last seven contests and holding a commanding 52-38-5 all-time series lead. It’s about the indelible mark these games leave on the collective memory of the sport. Freeman himself articulated this sentiment, stating, “It’s a great rivalry for all of college football. If it was up to me, we would play them every single year for the rest of college football time. It’s pretty black-and-white for me.” He speaks of how, even before he arrived at Notre Dame, everyone watched that game, remembering moments that “just stick out in your mind.” This speaks to the visceral, almost mythical quality of the rivalry, where records are thrown out and the sheer weight of tradition and animosity takes over.

Freeman’s coaching philosophy, often characterized by a “Choose Hard” mantra, aligns perfectly with his stance on the USC rivalry. He encourages his players to embrace challenges, to seek out the most formidable opponents, and to push beyond their comfort zones. Playing USC annually, regardless of the timing, embodies this philosophy. It’s a national showcase, a barometer of where both programs stand, and a test of mettle that prepares teams for the rigors of a championship chase. The exposure, the national television audience, and the elevated brand prestige that come with such a high-profile game are invaluable for recruiting and program development, especially for a program like Notre Dame with its national recruiting footprint and a history of drawing talent from California and the West Coast. The trip to Los Angeles every other year becomes a homecoming for many players, a tangible connection to their roots.

The administrative hurdles are, admittedly, significant. USC’s integration into the Big Ten means a nine-game conference schedule and a vastly increased travel burden. For Notre Dame, an independent program, finding a consistent slot for a high-profile, cross-country opponent amidst a demanding schedule that already includes traditional foes and ACC commitments is a complex puzzle. Notre Dame has already announced a home-and-home series with Clemson beginning in 2027 and its 2025 schedule is largely set, including the USC game on October 18th. Yet, Freeman’s unwavering conviction suggests that these logistical challenges are not insurmountable; rather, they are merely obstacles to be overcome in the pursuit of preserving something truly special.

The current contract between Notre Dame and USC expires after the 2025 season. USC has reportedly offered a one-year extension for 2026, while Notre Dame is pushing for a long-term renewal. This disparity highlights the differing priorities and perspectives. For USC, navigating a new conference landscape and maximizing their chances for a College Football Playoff berth are paramount. Lincoln Riley’s previous comments have indicated a willingness to prioritize schedule flexibility over traditional rivalries if it means a clearer path to the national championship. This is a cold, hard truth of modern college football, where the pursuit of playoff berths often eclipses the romanticism of long-standing series.

However, Freeman’s argument is that the rivalry is beneficial for both programs, regardless of the immediate playoff implications. The intense competition, the national spotlight, and the shared history elevate both teams. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has produced countless memorable moments and has etched itself into the fabric of college football lore. The notion of losing such a fixture is, to many purists, a travesty. It underscores a broader concern within the sport about the erosion of tradition in the face of commercialization and the incessant chase for playoff spots. While a 12-team playoff offers more opportunities, it also puts immense pressure on teams to manage their schedules strategically, potentially at the expense of non-conference blockbusters.

Freeman’s passion for the rivalry is not just lip service. He has experienced it firsthand, both as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator in 2021 when the Irish won 31-16, and as head coach, where he holds a 2-1 record against USC, including decisive victories in 2023 and 2024. He understands the unique energy and heightened stakes that come with this particular matchup. It’s a game where the unpredictable often happens, where past results mean little, and where both teams are pushed to their absolute limits. This is what makes college football so compelling, and it’s precisely what Freeman wants to safeguard.

The ball, in many ways, is now in USC’s court. While Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua has publicly echoed Freeman’s desire to continue the annual game, the Trojans’ administrative leadership faces a complex balancing act between maximizing Big Ten success and preserving a beloved non-conference series. The sentiment from South Bend is clear: the Fighting Irish are ready to play, any time, any place. This unwavering commitment to a rivalry that has defined generations of college football fans serves as a powerful reminder of what makes the sport truly special – the tradition, the passion, and the fierce, unyielding desire to compete against the very best, regardless of the logistical hurdles. Marcus Freeman’s stance is not just about Notre Dame and USC; it’s a rallying cry for the preservation of college football’s enduring rivalries in an increasingly turbulent era. His “When? I don’t care” sentiment is a testament to the fact that some things, some rivalries, are simply too important to fade away.