Should the Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Continue? Marcus Freeman Makes His Stance Clear

College football rivalries are the heartbeat of the sport — traditions passed from generation to generation, stories told in stadiums packed with roaring fans, and contests that transcend mere games to become cultural phenomena. Among these historic rivalries, few capture the imagination quite like the clash between the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the University of Southern California Trojans.

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is iconic, a cross-country spectacle that pits two storied programs against each other with national implications every season they meet. Yet in recent years, questions have arisen about the future of this celebrated rivalry: Should it continue? Does it still hold the same weight amid changing college football landscapes, scheduling challenges, and shifting priorities?

Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame football, has recently weighed in on this debate, making his position crystal clear. In this article, we’ll explore the history and significance of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry, the reasons behind calls for change or continuation, and the perspective Marcus Freeman brings to the table. Ultimately, we’ll examine why this rivalry matters — and why, according to Freeman, it must continue for the foreseeable future.

The Origins and History of the Notre Dame-USC Rivalry

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry dates back to 1926, when the two programs first faced off in a dramatic intersectional matchup. Over nearly a century, the rivalry has grown in stature and significance, becoming a fixture of college football tradition.

Several factors elevate this rivalry beyond typical conference battles:

• Two National Powerhouses: Notre Dame and USC are among the winningest and most decorated programs in college football history. Each boasts multiple national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a deep tradition of excellence.
• Cross-Country Clash: Notre Dame, rooted in the Midwest with a nationwide fanbase, and USC, representing the West Coast, bring a geographic and cultural contrast that fuels passionate competition.
• Annual High-Stakes Matchups: For decades, the Notre Dame-USC game has often been a pivotal contest in the national title race, with both teams frequently ranked highly and vying for College Football Playoff positioning.
• Famed Traditions: From the “Jeweled Shillelagh” trophy to the iconic fight songs, the rivalry embodies pageantry and sportsmanship unique to college football.

Over the years, moments like the “Bush Push” game, the thrilling 2005 triple-overtime thriller, and memorable performances from legends like Tim Brown, Matt Leinart, Joe Montana, and Rudy Ruettiger have etched this rivalry into the fabric of American sports culture.

Challenges and Controversies Threatening the Rivalry

Despite its storied history, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry has faced obstacles threatening its continuity:

1. Scheduling Conflicts

Unlike many rivalries tied to conference affiliations, Notre Dame and USC belong to different leagues (Notre Dame is an independent; USC is in the Pac-12, soon to move to the Big Ten). Coordinating schedules between different conferences and balancing non-conference games has grown complicated.

There have been years when the rivalry was not played due to these scheduling difficulties. For example, the 2020 season was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic and conference-only schedules. Concerns linger about future conflicts, especially as USC moves to the Big Ten, potentially compressing its non-conference schedule.

2. Competitive Balance and Relevance

In recent years, Notre Dame and USC have experienced varying levels of success. While both remain nationally relevant, there have been questions about whether the rivalry continues to hold the same competitive intensity or if it’s simply a ceremonial game.

Some critics argue that other matchups may offer more immediate playoff implications or regional significance, calling into question the rivalry’s priority in the evolving college football landscape.

3. Player Safety and Travel

Given the cross-country nature of the rivalry, extensive travel and short preparation windows raise concerns about player fatigue and health. With increasing awareness about athlete welfare, some have questioned whether a mid-season, high-stakes travel game is optimal.

4. Economic and Media Considerations

Media rights, television contracts, and fan engagement also factor into scheduling decisions. Ensuring the game remains a marquee national event requires cooperation and strategic planning, which can be challenged by competing interests and market dynamics.

Marcus Freeman’s Clear Stance: “It Don’t Matter When We Play ‘Em”

Amid these discussions, Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s head coach, has voiced a firm opinion on the rivalry’s future. In recent interviews, Freeman emphasized the rivalry’s importance, stating bluntly, “It don’t matter when we play ‘em — the rivalry needs to continue, and it needs to last forever.”

Freeman’s stance reflects several core beliefs:

1. Tradition and Legacy

Freeman recognizes the rivalry as more than just a game. It is a connection to generations of Notre Dame players, coaches, and fans who have worn the Irish jersey with pride. Preserving this tradition is vital to maintaining Notre Dame’s identity and honoring the history of college football.

2. Competitive Spirit

For Freeman, rivalry games bring out the best in his players. The emotional intensity, passion, and motivation sparked by playing USC is unique. He believes this competitive fire is essential to Notre Dame’s culture and player development.

3. National Spotlight and Recruiting

The Notre Dame-USC game attracts massive national attention, with millions tuning in across the country. Freeman understands the recruiting implications, knowing that showcasing Notre Dame in a high-profile rivalry helps attract top talent.

4. Respect for Opponents

Freeman’s comments underscore respect for USC as a worthy adversary. He acknowledges the rivalry’s role in measuring Notre Dame against one of the nation’s elite programs and pushing the Irish to elevate their play.

Why the Rivalry Matters in Modern College Football

College football today is marked by rapid change — from playoff expansions to conference realignment to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. In this fluid landscape, traditional rivalries serve as anchors that preserve the soul of the sport.

1. Connection for Fans

Rivalries like Notre Dame-USC connect fans across generations and regions. They create narratives that go beyond wins and losses, fostering community and identity.

2. Defining Moments for Players

For student-athletes, rivalry games often represent the pinnacle of their college careers. These games test character, resilience, and leadership, shaping legacies.

3. Elevating the Sport’s Profile

High-profile rivalries drive viewership, media coverage, and revenue — resources critical to sustaining and growing college football programs and infrastructure.

4. Preserving Historical Context

Rivalries maintain continuity amidst change. As conferences shift and playoff formats evolve, traditional games like Notre Dame-USC serve as reminders of the sport’s rich heritage.

What Could the Future Look Like?

Marcus Freeman’s call for the rivalry to “last forever” indicates Notre Dame’s commitment to maintaining the series. However, realizing this vision requires cooperation and innovation:

1. Flexible Scheduling

Both programs must prioritize scheduling to ensure annual matchups, possibly adjusting traditional dates or accommodating changing conference calendars.

2. Enhanced Fan Engagement

Leveraging digital platforms, social media, and fan experiences can keep the rivalry vibrant and relevant for younger audiences.

3. Player Welfare Initiatives

Addressing travel and recovery concerns through improved logistics and medical support can mitigate risks and protect players.

4. Collaborative Media Strategies

Coordinating media and marketing efforts ensures the rivalry remains a marquee event that benefits both programs and the broader college football ecosystem.

The Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Should Endure, Says Marcus Freeman

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry stands as one of college football’s greatest traditions — a testament to competition, culture, and history. While challenges exist in sustaining the rivalry amid a changing sport, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman makes his stance unequivocally clear: this rivalry is too important to lose.

For Freeman, the rivalry is not about timing or convenience; it is about legacy, respect, and the unyielding spirit of competition. His vision calls on players, fans, and institutions to cherish and preserve this iconic matchup — ensuring it endures as a defining fixture of college football for generations to come.

In the end, the question of whether the Notre Dame-USC rivalry should continue is answered emphatically by those who live it most closely. As Marcus Freeman says, “It don’t matter when we play ‘em” — what matters is that we keep playing, keep competing, and keep honoring a rivalry that has shaped the sport’s very soul.