The rivalry between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern California (USC) is widely regarded as one of the most storied and iconic in all of college football. Spanning nearly a century, this intersectional clash has produced unforgettable moments, legendary players, and a deep-seated respect between two of the sport’s most successful programs. While many rivalries are fueled by geographic proximity, the Notre Dame–USC rivalry is unique in that it brings together a Catholic university from the Midwest and a public research institution from Southern California, creating a cross-cultural spectacle that has captivated fans across the country. The annual matchup—often played in late October or November—has become a benchmark for excellence, with both teams frequently competing for national championships and top-tier recruits. This article explores the rich history, key moments, traditions, and lasting impact of the Notre Dame vs. USC rivalry.

The Origins of a Legendary Rivalry

The series began in 1926, when Notre Dame traveled to Los Angeles to face USC for the first time. The game was a product of the visionary minds of two iconic coaches: Knute Rockne of Notre Dame and USC’s Howard Jones. Rockne saw an opportunity to expand his program’s national footprint by scheduling games against a rising West Coast power, while Jones recognized the prestige that came with hosting the Fighting Irish. The inaugural contest, played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, ended in a 13–12 victory for Notre Dame, setting the stage for a rivalry that would grow in intensity with each passing year. As both programs accumulated national titles and produced Hall of Fame players, the annual meeting became a must-watch event for college football fans nationwide.

From those early years, the rivalry quickly evolved into a showcase of contrasting styles: Notre Dame’s hard-nosed, tradition-laden approach versus USC’s flashy, talent-rich brand of football. The geographic distance only added to the allure—fans from the Midwest would travel west for the game, while USC supporters made the pilgrimage to South Bend every other year. By the 1940s, the rivalry had already produced several legendary contests, including a 1947 matchup where both teams entered undefeated and ranked in the top five. That game, won by Notre Dame 38–7, helped cement the rivalry’s reputation as a true clash of titans.

Iconic Games That Defined the Series

The Notre Dame–USC rivalry has produced a wealth of memorable games, many of which have had direct implications for national championships, Heisman Trophy races, and coaching legacies. Below are some of the most significant matchups, broken down by era.

1926–1960: The Foundational Clashes

In 1926, the very first game set the tone: Notre Dame’s upset victory over a favored USC team shocked the West Coast. The 1931 game saw USC claim its first win in the series, a 16–14 thriller that prevented Notre Dame from securing a national title. Another classic came in 1947, when the top-ranked Fighting Irish crushed the second-ranked Trojans to solidify their claim as the best team in the nation. The 1950s produced tight contests, including a 17–7 USC victory in 1952 that ended Notre Dame’s 39-game unbeaten streak. By the end of the decade, the rivalry had already become a staple of the college football calendar.

1964–1980: The Rise of USC Powerhouses

The 1964 game is remembered for USC’s dramatic 20–17 comeback win, sparked by a young quarterback named Craig Fertig. But the defining era began in the late 1960s under head coach John McKay, who turned USC into a dynasty. The 1967 matchup featured a then-unknown running back named O.J. Simpson, who rushed for 150 yards as the Trojans won 24–7. Two years later, Simpson captured the Heisman Trophy and led USC to a 45–20 victory over Notre Dame. The 1974 game stands as one of the most memorable: USC’s Anthony Davis returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and ran for three more scores in a 55–24 rout that helped the Trojans win the national championship. Throughout this period, the rivalry gained a reputation for producing explosive offensive performances.

1981–1999: Back-and-Forth Battles

Notre Dame regained the upper hand in the 1980s under coach Gerry Faust and later Lou Holtz. The 1988 game was arguably the most consequential of the decade: Notre Dame handed USC its only regular-season loss of the year, winning 27–10 en route to a national championship. That game featured a pivotal goal-line stand by the Fighting Irish defense. In 1989, Notre Dame extended its winning streak over USC to four games, a feat that had not been accomplished since the early 1950s. The 1990s saw more parity, with memorable games like the 1996 contest (Notre Dame 27–20 in overtime) and the 1998 upset by USC (10–0) that knocked Notre Dame out of the national title picture.

2000–Present: Drama in the Modern Era

The 2005 matchup is legendary. Both teams entered with top-ten rankings, and the game featured seven lead changes. USC quarterback Matt Leinart led a late drive, but it was running back Reggie Bush’s controversial push of Leinart into the end zone on fourth down—known as the “Bush Push”—that sealed a 34–31 USC win. The game is widely considered one of the greatest in college football history. The 2009 contest saw Notre Dame upset the eighth-ranked Trojans in a 27–20 defensive battle. In 2021, the rivalry delivered another instant classic: after a four-overtime thriller, Notre Dame emerged victorious 38–35, snapping a three-game losing streak to USC. That game featured incredible performances from both quarterbacks and a game-winning field goal. More recently, the 2023 matchup saw USC win 48–20 in a high-scoring affair that showcased the Trojans’ explosive offense under head coach Lincoln Riley.

The Jeweled Shillelagh: A Unique Trophy

Since 1952, the winner of the Notre Dame–USC game has been awarded the Jeweled Shillelagh—a traditional Irish walking club adorned with emeralds and rubies. The trophy is a tangible symbol of the rivalry’s intensity and mutual respect. Each year, the winning team adds a ruby (for Notre Dame) or an emerald (for USC) to the shillelagh, creating a vivid timeline of the series. Because the rivalry is not a conference game (Notre Dame is an independent, and USC is a member of the Pac-12), the trophy carries special importance as the primary prize for this annual intersectional battle. It is on display at the winning school’s campus until the next meeting, serving as a constant reminder of the year’s outcome and a source of motivation for the following season.

Legendary Players and Coaches

Few rivalries in college football can boast a list of players and coaches as distinguished as those who have competed in Notre Dame vs. USC. The series has produced multiple Heisman Trophy winners, NFL Hall of Famers, and coaching legends.

Players

  • Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish have seen stars like Johnny Lattner (1953 Heisman winner), Tim Brown (1987 Heisman winner), Joe Montana (who led a comeback in the 1978 game), and Ross Browner (defensive end and Outland Trophy winner). More recently, quarterbacks like Brady Quinn and Ian Book have had signature moments in the rivalry.
  • USC: The Trojans’ list includes O.J. Simpson (1968 Heisman winner), Marcus Allen (1981 Heisman winner), Charles White (1979 Heisman winner), Carson Palmer (2002 Heisman winner), Matt Leinart (2004 Heisman winner), and Reggie Bush (2005 Heisman winner—later vacated). Other NFL legends like Ronnie Lott, Junior Seau, and Troy Polamalu also played in this rivalry.

These players didn’t just shine in college; many went on to have Hall of Fame NFL careers, and their performances in the Notre Dame–USC game are often cited as defining moments of their collegiate years.

Coaches

The sidelines of this rivalry have featured some of the most iconic figures in football history. For Notre Dame, Knute Rockne initiated the series, while Frank Leahy and Lou Holtz added to its lore with multiple wins over USC. On the other side, Howard Jones built USC’s early power, John McKay dominated the 1960s and 1970s (winning four national titles), and Pete Carroll revived USC in the 2000s, leading the Trojans to a 7–1 record against the Irish from 2002 to 2008. Each coach brought a distinct philosophy, but all understood the importance of this game to their programs and fanbases.

The Intersectional Appeal: Midwest vs. West Coast

A major factor that makes this rivalry special is its intersectional nature. Notre Dame represents the heartland—tradition, grit, and a national fanbase built on independent status. USC embodies the glamour and star power of Hollywood, drawing top recruits from California and beyond. This cultural clash is more than just football; it’s a microcosm of American regional identity. The game often becomes a recruitment battle for the best talent from both coasts. When Notre Dame travels to Los Angeles, the Coliseum buzzes with energy, and fans from South Bend make the cross-country trek to create a mini-away game atmosphere. When USC visits South Bend, the contrast is stark: the peaceful, autumnal campus of Notre Dame versus the fast-paced energy of the Trojans. This dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue and keeps the rivalry fresh year after year.

Impact on College Football

The Notre Dame–USC rivalry has had a profound influence on college football beyond the wins and losses. It has shaped scheduling conventions: Notre Dame’s independence allows it to maintain yearly games with USC, despite the distance. The rivalry has also produced national championship implications more often than almost any other non-conference series. As of 2025, the two schools have combined for 22 national titles (Notre Dame 13, USC 11, including two vacated by USC). In many years, the winner of this game has gone on to play for or win a national championship. The rivalry also impacts the Heisman Trophy race—multiple Heisman winners have turned in signature performances in this game, including O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, and Reggie Bush.

Recruiting is another area where this rivalry leaves its mark. Both programs often go head-to-head for the same elite prospects, particularly in California and the Midwest. A win in the rivalry game can sway a recruit’s decision, making it a vital part of each school’s annual recruiting strategy. Additionally, the game is frequently featured on national television in prime time, drawing some of the highest ratings of the college football season. The rivalry has also produced memorable broadcasting moments, from Keith Jackson’s calls to more recent ESPN and NBC broadcasts.

In recent years, the rivalry has seen a resurgence in drama. USC’s hiring of Lincoln Riley in 2022 brought an uptick in offensive firepower, while Notre Dame’s consistent success under Brian Kelly and now Marcus Freeman has kept the Fighting Irish competitive. The 2022 game saw Notre Dame rally to win 38–27 after a slow start, while the 2023 contest at the Coliseum went to USC in a 48–20 rout. Looking ahead, both programs are vying for College Football Playoff berths, and the annual matchup will remain a key factor in their postseason hopes. The rivalry’s scheduled will continue as one of the few annual non-conference games that both schools preserve, even as college football realignment reshapes the landscape. With the addition of USC to the Big Ten (starting in 2024), the rivalry will now take on even more conference-like implications, as Notre Dame faces a Big Ten opponent yearly. This change could deepen the stakes and add new layers of intrigue for both fanbases.

Conclusion

The Notre Dame vs. USC rivalry is a cornerstone of college football tradition. For nearly a century, it has produced unforgettable moments, legendary players, and a unique cultural clash that resonates far beyond the gridiron. From the pristine campus of South Bend to the historic Coliseum in Los Angeles, each game writes a new chapter in an ongoing saga. As both programs continue to pursue excellence, the rivalry will remain one of the sport’s most cherished annual events. Whether you root for the Fighting Irish or the Trojans, the pageantry, intensity, and history of this matchup make it a must-watch every season.

For more history on this rivalry, visit the NCAA’s official timeline, explore the Sports Reference rivalry data, and check out Notre Dame’s official series page.