Notre Dame Football Swaps Tradition For Strategy: BYU Series Set, USC Rivalry On Ice
In a move that feels a bit like trading a vintage muscle car for a sensible sedan, Notre Dame has officially announced a home-and-home series with BYU for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. While a trip to Provo is always a scenic adventure, the subtext here is the real headline: the historic, hatred-fueled rivalry with USC is officially on pause.
For the first time since World War II, excluding the 2020 pandemic, the Fighting Irish and the Trojans won’t be meeting to settle scores. It is a harsh reality check that in the modern era of the College Football Playoff, tradition often takes a backseat to “resume management.”
Notre Dame Finalizes Deal With BYU
Let’s look at the new ink on the contract. Notre Dame will head west to Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, in 2026, with the Cougars returning the favor at Notre Dame Stadium in 2027.
There is some solid history here. The Irish lead the all-time series against BYU 7-2. If you recall, the last time these two met was the 2022 Shamrock Series in Vegas, where the Irish pulled off a 28-20 win. Funnily enough, these two teams were the “first two out” of the 2025 playoff picture and likely would have met in the Pop-Tarts Bowl had Notre Dame not opted out. Consider this upcoming series the bowl game that never was—just without the edible mascot.
Why the Notre Dame vs. USC Rivalry is Pausing
So, why break up a rivalry that dates back to 1926? In short: It’s complicated. Reports suggest USC wanted to move the game to earlier in the season. Their argument is fair, if a little convenient: playing Notre Dame in late November after running a gauntlet of Big Ten heavyweights like Ohio State and Oregon is a recipe for playoff disaster. A late-season loss to the Irish kills their CFP resume.
Notre Dame officials, preferring the traditional October/November split, couldn’t find common ground. It seems USC made a business decision, and the Jeweled Shillelagh is the casualty. It’s a “it’s not you, it’s the committee” breakup.
Future Schedules For the Fighting Irish
Don’t think the Irish are looking for an easy road, though. Even without USC, the 2026 slate is shaping up to be a grinder. Notre Dame is kicking off that season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, along with matchups against Michigan State, Purdue, and Miami(FL).
While the loss of the USC game stings, Notre Dame is clearly focused on building a schedule that survives the scrutiny of the selection committee. We might miss the rivalry, but we probably won’t miss the stress if it means a cleaner path to the top 12.
