After nearly a century of tradition, one of college football’s most iconic rivalries is hitting pause. On Monday, it was reported that USC and Notre Dame were unable to reach an agreement to extend their annual clash beyond the 2025 season. That means-for the first time in generations-these two powerhouses won’t meet on the field in 2026.
For fans of The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh, this is more than just a scheduling quirk. This rivalry has been a pillar of college football history, packed with unforgettable moments, Heisman-worthy performances, and national title implications. From the days of Knute Rockne and Howard Jones to Reggie Bush hurdling defenders in South Bend, USC-Notre Dame has always been a game that mattered.
In a joint statement, both schools acknowledged the weight of the moment:
“USC and Notre Dame recognize how special our rivalry is to our fans, our teams, and college football, and our institutions will continue working towards bringing back The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh. The rivalry between our two schools is one of the best in all of sport, and we look forward to meeting again in the future.”
While the sentiment is there, the reality is hard to ignore: we’re looking at a multi-year gap in one of the sport’s most celebrated matchups. According to reports, the earliest possible renewal of the rivalry could come in 2030. That’s at least a four-year break-possibly longer-without a game that’s been a near-annual fixture since the 1920s.
This isn’t just about nostalgia. Rivalries like USC-Notre Dame are the heartbeat of college football.
They connect generations of fans, shape seasons, and provide a stage for greatness. Losing it, even temporarily, leaves a noticeable void-not just for Trojans and Irish faithful, but for the sport as a whole.
There’s still hope that the two programs will find a way to bring the rivalry back sooner rather than later. But for now, college football will move forward without one of its most storied showdowns. And that’s a tough pill to swallow.