Potential headway being made for storied USC rivalry

With the status of the USC vs. Notre Dame series in doubt, there appears to be a continued effort that is attempting to preserve the rivalry game beyond 2025.

LA Times reporter Ryan Kartje shared from athletic director Jennifer Cohen that the Trojans have made an offer to extend the series on a long-term basis. The sticking point remains to be that of when the game would be held.

The Fighting Irish continue to walk back their 'anywhere, anytime' stance, while the Trojans understandably want to see the matchup played earlier in the football calendar.

It simply does not make sense for USC to sign an agreement that would have the program playing against a top-level opponent in the heat of Big Ten play. While the SEC has since reconsidered how they will go about scheduling, it is highly doubtful that too many ADs will sign up for a regularly scheduled series during their conference portion of the schedule.

Especially when considering how much more involved travel is in the Big Ten and the style of play in the BIG, it objectively hurts the Trojan program to be committed to a consistent game like that.

Historic aspect of USC rivalry game

For some, the time of when the Notre Dame game is played is important due to tradition. Most rivalries tend to be played around the later portions of the year. USC does not need to have that onus placed on them for the Fighting Irish, however. Local rival UCLA is going to remain around the time of year when rivals tend to face off against each other, and that will be plenty good enough for the Trojans moving forward.

It is now on Notre Dame to accept the latest proposal or to admit that their stance has simply been one of posturing.