Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff exception reportedly played key role in cancellation of USC rivalry

Notre Dame and USC have announced the cancellation of their historic college football rivalry starting in 2026, primarily due to Notre Dame's scheduling agreement with BYU, which has led to significant changes in their traditional matchups. This decision follows a series of negotiations that ultimately failed to secure a continuation of the rivalry.
The cancellation is particularly impactful for both institutions, as the rivalry has been a cornerstone of college football culture, fostering competitive spirit and fan engagement over decades. The decision reflects a shift in priorities for Notre Dame as it navigates new scheduling commitments.
This development highlights broader tensions within college football, particularly regarding the College Football Playoff's influence on scheduling and team participation. Notre Dame's recent exclusion from the playoff and subsequent decision to opt out of bowl games underscores a growing frustration among teams regarding playoff selection criteria and scheduling conflicts, which may reshape traditional rivalries in the sport.

Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff exception reportedly played key role in cancellation of USC rivalry