USC and Notre Dame Schedule Future Non-Conference Matchups for 2030

One of the most historic intersections in college sports will return to the gridiron. The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Notre Dame have agreed to resume their annual rivalry, beginning with a matchup in Los Angeles scheduled for Aug. 31, 2030. The following season, the series will shift to South Bend for a Week 1 contest.

The agreement extends through the 2033 season. While specific dates for the 2032 and 2033 games have not been finalized, they are slated to take place during the opening three weeks of those campaigns. The renewal comes after negotiations for an extension stalled in December, leading to a temporary pause in the series that had been played annually since 1926, with exceptions only for World War II and the 2020 pandemic.

The scheduling shift was facilitated by Indiana University’s decision to cancel its previously planned home-and-home series against Notre Dame for 2030 and 2031. This scheduling flexibility allows USC to prioritize the contest early in the season, a move Athletic Director Jen Cohen stated supports competitive scheduling within the Big Ten and aligns with student-athlete welfare.

From a media perspective, the return of this intersectional rivalry carries weight for broadcasters holding rights to the games. Comcast Corporation, the parent company of NBCUniversal, has historically maintained a deep relationship with Notre Dame athletics. As a major player in the Communication Services sector with a Telecom Services industry focus, Comcast’s portfolio includes the linear and digital platforms that have traditionally carried Notre Dame football. The resumption of high-profile matchups like USC-Notre Dame contributes to the inventory of premium live sports content that media companies rely on to drive viewership and engagement. Currently, Comcast Corporation has a market capitalization of approximately $80.91 billion, with shares trading up 2.91% today.

Historically, the Irish lead the series 53-38-5. The two programs are among the most decorated in the sport, combining for numerous national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL draft picks. Preserving this rivalry serves as a counterpoint to the broader trend of conference realignment, which has displaced several other historic non-conference games in recent years.

What to watch

• Look for future broadcast announcements regarding which networks will carry the 2030–2033 games.
• Monitor upcoming Big Ten television contract negotiations and media rights deals as they relate to non-conference scheduling.

Source: original release