Notre Dame, USC to Pause Historic College Football Rivalry Beginning in 2026

Fox SportsMonday, December 22, 2025 at 9:46:01 PM
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Notre Dame, USC to Pause Historic College Football Rivalry Beginning in 2026
  • Notre Dame and USC have announced that they will pause their historic college football rivalry starting in 2026, following Notre Dame's scheduling agreement with BYU. This decision marks a significant change in a rivalry that has been a staple in college football for decades.
  • The pause in the rivalry is particularly noteworthy as it reflects ongoing shifts in college football scheduling and the impact of conference affiliations. Notre Dame's decision to prioritize its agreement with BYU over the traditional matchup with USC highlights strategic choices in the current sports landscape.
  • This development occurs amid broader discussions regarding Notre Dame's exclusion from the College Football Playoff, which has sparked debates about the need for playoff expansion and the implications for teams outside the Power Five conferences. The rivalry's hiatus may also influence fan engagement and the competitive dynamics within college football.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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