Changes Ahead for College Football Rivalries

The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, bringing a mix of exciting matchups among top teams. However, one notable difference this year might be the reduced number of high-stakes nonconference games. Sure, early-season clashes like Ohio State vs. Texas and Oklahoma vs. Michigan will draw attention, but with playoff systems and conference expansions, teams seem less motivated to schedule strong out-of-conference opponents.

This shift could notably affect the classic rivalry between USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Traditionally dubbed the “Greatest Crossroads Competition in College Sports,” this contest has seen 96 games over a century, with gaps during World War II and COVID-19. This rivalry isn’t just about the teams involved; it’s a fan favorite for its history and atmosphere.

Regrettably, the game set for 2026 won’t take place due to stalled negotiations. Initially, criticism fell on USC’s head coach Lincoln Riley, but comments from Notre Dame have also appeared in headlines recently. During a media event, Riley suggested that Notre Dame hadn’t been fulfilling its commitments, adding further strain to the situation.

“From my viewpoint, nothing has changed. We want to play the game. If certain conditions are met, it will happen, and I truly hope we reach that point,” Riley remarked at a press conference.

But what led to this disconnect? Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman expressed that he’s flexible with when they play, making it clear he’d face USC anytime, anywhere. “It’s straightforward for me. I want to play them every year,” Freeman stated. Yet the disagreement seems rooted in scheduling preferences; USC proposed moving the game to Week 0, while Notre Dame preferred to keep it as is. This decision impacts USC’s schedule, especially as they navigate potential playoff aspirations.

Interestingly, it seems Freeman’s earlier assertions lacked cohesion. Notre Dame’s refusal to adjust the schedule complicates matters, leaving us wondering what the future holds. There’s a hint of contradiction in Freeman’s earlier remarks about the significance of the rivalry contrasted with their decision not to play in the Poptarts Bowl after playoff exclusion—a reaction stemming from feelings rather than strategy.

Riley’s observations ring true. Notre Dame—while successful recently—seems hesitant to risk a loss on the road, especially now that they have a reliable pathway to the playoffs. Given the competitive landscape, a trip to USC against a solid opponent doesn’t guarantee a win. With an easier upcoming schedule, they appear poised for another playoff run.

The dynamics surrounding the scheduling of this rivalry raise questions about decisions made for the program’s betterment. As we await the 2026 season, it will be intriguing to see if the rivalry finds its way back onto the calendar and if Coach Freeman will reconsider his stance on bowl participation, especially after citing player morale as a factor earlier.