The storied college football rivalry between Notre Dame and Southern California is set to resume in 2030 after a four-year hiatus, officials announced this week. The series, which began in 1926 and has been a fixture of college football tradition, paused this fall amid scheduling disputes that highlighted broader tensions within the sport.

The Notre Dame-U.S.C. rivalry is renowned for its historical significance and marquee matchups, including four decades of combined national titles in the 1970s and memorable moments such as the 2005 “Bush Push” game. Despite its prestige, the series will return under a revised format that reflects recent changes in college football scheduling. The first two games in 2030 and 2031 will be Week 1 home-and-home encounters, with further games to be played in the early part of the season before Southern California begins Big Ten conference play. Unlike previous arrangements, there will be no fall trips for Southern California to South Bend or Notre Dame games in Los Angeles around Thanksgiving weekend, signaling a departure from the rivalry’s traditional scheduling.

The break in the series followed prolonged negotiations that ended without agreement last season. Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley publicly expressed concerns about balancing the demands of the Trojans’ nine-game Big Ten schedule, citing difficulties in fitting the game into an already challenging calendar. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman affirmed his willingness to play “anytime, anywhere,” a stance that Southern California interpreted as a refusal when the Irish declined a proposed Week 0 matchup. These conflicting positions contributed to the pause in a rivalry that had been played nearly every year except during World War II and the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

Riley, who took over Southern California’s program in 2022, has faced criticism for his role in the hiatus. Some observers suggest his priority lies with optimizing Southern California’s path to the College Football Playoff rather than preserving longstanding traditions. The Trojans suffered multiple losses in recent seasons, and critics argue the desire to manage the schedule for playoff advantage influenced the decision to sideline the marquee rivalry. Riley has stated his desire to see the game return, though some argue his public comments do not fully align with the decisions made during negotiations.

The gap in the series was further influenced by Indiana’s decision to discontinue its scheduled home-and-home series with Notre Dame in 2030 and 2031, freeing up dates that allowed the Irish to resume the U.S.C. matchup. This shift reflects a broader realignment in college football’s scheduling landscape, particularly as conferences expand and traditional rivalries face challenges.

While the return of the Notre Dame-Southern California series is welcomed by fans and commentators, the restructured schedule and the four-year absence mark a significant alteration to one of college football’s most celebrated rivalries. Both programs and their supporters will navigate this new era with an awareness of the changing priorities and pressures facing major college football programs today.