**Notre Dame** and **USC** will pause their historic rivalry series after the 2025 season, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. The **Fighting Irish** are finalizing a two-year scheduling agreement with **BYU** that has complicated negotiations with the **Trojans**.
The decision ends what was set to be the 79th consecutive meeting between the programs, excluding the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season.
This marks just the second interruption in a rivalry that dates back to 1926. The series was previously paused only during World War II.
Scheduling constraints and College Football Playoff considerations drove the breakdown in talks, sources told Dellenger. Both programs are now exploring replacement opponents for 2026.
“Steeped in great players, colorful coaches and rich tradition, the Irish and Trojans hold a pedigree unlike any in the sport’s history, as they’ve combined to win 24 national championships, 15 Heisman Trophy winners and have produced more than 1,000 NFL draftees — believed to be the highest combined total of any college football rivalry series.”
The hiatus comes despite the series’ rich history and tradition. The two programs have combined for **24 national championships** and **15 Heisman Trophy winners**.
Notre Dame continues pursuing marquee matchups. The Irish open next season against **Wisconsin** at Lambeau Field.
The program maintains annual games with **Clemson** along with recent and future series against Texas A&M, Auburn and Texas.
