Notre Dame vs. USC: College Football’s Greatest Intersectional Rivalry

College football’s longest, richest, and most influential intersectional rivalry—Notre Dame vs. USC—is nearing 90 years of excellence. With a storied history full of dramatic twists, legendary players, and high-stakes games, this iconic matchup continues to captivate fans across the nation.

Origins of the Rivalry

The roots of the Notre Dame–USC rivalry can be traced back to Michigan Head Coach Fielding Yost’s anti-Catholic campaign against Notre Dame. Yost convinced Western Conference teams (now the Big Ten) to stop scheduling the Fighting Irish. While not all schools complied, Notre Dame faced scheduling challenges, prompting them to look east to Army, Navy, and Pitt, and west to the burgeoning sports hub of Los Angeles.

The University of Southern California (USC), eager to raise its profile, became a natural partner. Several accounts detail how this storied rivalry began:

1. The Rose Bowl Connection: After Notre Dame’s victory over Stanford in the 1925 Rose Bowl, Knute Rockne saw the value of building a West Coast rivalry.
2. A Persuasive Visit: In 1925, USC coach Howard Jones and his wife joined the Notre Dame entourage en route to a game in Nebraska. Mrs. Jones reportedly convinced Mrs. Rockne that biennial trips to sunny California were a great idea.
3. The Romantic Myth: A more colorful story claims Mrs. Rockne fell in love with the California landscape during a Rose Bowl trip in 1924, declaring, “Knute, play USC, honey!”

Regardless of the exact origin, December 4, 1926, marked the first Notre Dame–USC game. With the exception of a three-year pause during World War II, the teams have played annually ever since.

Notre Dame vs. USC Rivalry at a Glance

• Series Record: Notre Dame leads 51-38-5
• First Game: 1926
• Longest Streak: Notre Dame, 11 wins (1983–1993)
• National Championships Between Teams: 22

By acclamation, this is college football’s greatest intersectional rivalry. Thanks to Howard Jones, Knute Rockne, and countless players and coaches, the tradition lives on.

Early Years: Dominance and Development

In the rivalry’s early decades, Notre Dame held the upper hand. By 1959, the Irish led the series 21-7-1. Western football was still considered inferior to teams from the East and Midwest, but USC’s rise to prominence in the 1920s and ’30s hinted at the powerhouse it would become.

The McKay Era: A Turning Point

USC’s fortunes changed in 1960 with the hiring of John McKay. Over 16 seasons, McKay led the Trojans to four national championships (1962, 1967, 1972, 1974) and established USC as a national powerhouse. McKay’s teams were consistently a thorn in Notre Dame’s side, with pivotal wins that often decided national championship fates.

McKay also introduced a scheduling twist: USC insisted that games in South Bend take place in October, while Los Angeles games would conclude the season, often on Thanksgiving weekend. This schedule remains intact to this day.

The Ara Parseghian Years: A National Event

Notre Dame’s hiring of Ara Parseghian in 1964 elevated the rivalry to national prominence. Between 1964 and 1977, Notre Dame and USC combined for seven national championships. Their annual clash often carried title implications, with games like the 1973 matchup—propelled by Eric Penick’s electrifying 85-yard touchdown run—etched into college football lore.

The Seismic 1970s

The rivalry reached new heights in the 1970s, producing unforgettable moments:

• 1972: USC’s Anthony Davis scored six touchdowns in a dominant 55-24 victory.
• 1973: Notre Dame redeemed itself with an 85-yard touchdown run by Penick, en route to a national championship.
• 1974: In a stunning comeback, USC erased a 24-6 deficit to score 49 consecutive points, winning 55-24 in one of the most shocking games in rivalry history.
• 1977: Dan Devine’s “Green Jersey Game” saw Notre Dame crush USC 49-19, securing yet another championship.

Peaks and Valleys

Despite their successes, both schools have also endured coaching misfires. Notre Dame’s Gerry Faust surprisingly outperformed expectations against USC, compiling a better record than Parseghian or Devine. Meanwhile, USC endured numerous failed coaching hires following Pete Carroll’s departure for the NFL including Lane Kiffin, Clay Helton, Steve Sarkisian, and most recently Lincoln Riley.

Notre Dame Ends USC’s Title Hopes

In 1995, Notre Dame faced off against a highly touted USC team featuring star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who was vocal with his trash talk leading up to the game. Johnson’s confidence was met with a dominant performance by the Irish, who secured a 38-10 victory in South Bend. Notre Dame’s defense effectively contained Johnson, while their offense dismantled the Trojans, squashing USC’s national title aspirations and silencing Johnson’s pre-game bravado. The decisive win not only halted USC’s undefeated season but also served as a statement game for Notre Dame, reaffirming their prowess in the storied rivalry.

The Bush Push

One of the most controversial and memorable moments in the Notre Dame–USC rivalry occurred during the 2005 game, famously known as “The Bush Push.” With seconds remaining and USC trailing 31-28, Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart attempted a quarterback sneak from Notre Dame’s one-yard line. Initially stopped by the Irish defense, Leinart was propelled into the end zone after running back Reggie Bush pushed him from behind—a move that was technically illegal under NCAA rules prohibiting aiding the runner. No penalty was called, and USC secured a dramatic 34-31 victory. The play intensified the rivalry and remains a hot topic among college football fans.

Streaks Define the Rivalry

Momentum swings have characterized the series:

• 1967–1982: USC dominated with a 12-2-2 record, highlighted by national championships in 1972 and 1974.
• 1983–1994: Notre Dame responded with 12 wins and one tie, including a victory in 1988 en route to a national championship.
• 2002–2009: Under Pete Carroll, USC won eight straight before his departure to the NFL.

Currently, Notre Dame leads the series 51-38-5, a testament to the rivalry’s balance and enduring competitiveness.

Recent Success for Notre Dame Against USC

In recent years, Notre Dame has regained control of the rivalry, continuing its tradition of excellence while dominating USC on the field. Since 2010, the Fighting Irish have won nine of the last 13 matchups, reaffirming their status as one of college football’s elite programs.

Key moments in this stretch include:

• 2012: Notre Dame secured a 22-13 victory in Los Angeles en route to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game. The win symbolized the resurgence of the Irish under Brian Kelly.
• 2017: In one of the rivalry’s most lopsided contests, Notre Dame routed USC 49-14 in South Bend. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush and running back Josh Adams combined for over 300 rushing yards, leaving no doubt about Notre Dame’s superiority.
• 2018: Notre Dame clinched a 24-17 victory in Los Angeles, completing another undefeated regular season and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Ian Book and the Irish defense delivered under pressure, further solidifying the program’s return to prominence.
• 2023: The Fighting Irish delivered a dominant 48-20 win over USC in South Bend. Fueled by a suffocating defense that forced Caleb Williams, USC’s Heisman-winning quarterback, into three first-half interceptions, Notre Dame showcased its ability to shine on the national stage. The win reaffirmed the Irish’s resurgence under head coach Marcus Freeman and highlighted their capacity to contend with top-tier opponents.

This era of dominance underscores Notre Dame’s consistency and adaptability, enabling the program to remain a perennial powerhouse. As USC seeks to reclaim its former glory, the rivalry’s stakes continue to grow, promising more thrilling chapters in the years to come.

Why It’s the Greatest Rivalry in College Football

The Notre Dame–USC rivalry isn’t just a clash of two storied programs—it’s a meeting of cultural powerhouses, blending Midwestern tradition with West Coast flair. With 22 national championships and 14 Heisman winners between them, the stakes remain as high as ever.

From its contentious beginnings to its modern-day intensity, Notre Dame vs. USC embodies everything that makes college football great: history, passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

No	W/L	Date	Notre Dame	USC	Location
1	W	12-04-1926	13	12	Los Angeles, CA
2	W	11-26-1927	7	6	Chicago, IL
3	L	12-01-1928	14	27	Los Angeles, CA
4	W	11-16-1929	13	12	Chicago, IL
5	W	12-06-1930	27	0	Los Angeles, CA
6	L	11-21-1931	14	16	South Bend, IN
7	L	12-10-1932	0	13	Los Angeles, CA
8	L	11-25-1933	0	19	South Bend, IN
9	W	12-08-1934	14	0	Los Angeles, CA
10	W	11-23-1935	20	13	South Bend, IN
11	T	12-05-1936	13	13	Los Angeles, CA
12	W	11-27-1937	13	6	South Bend, IN
13	L	12-03-1938	0	13	Los Angeles, CA
14	L	11-25-1939	12	20	South Bend, IN
15	W	12-07-1940	10	6	Los Angeles, CA
16	W	11-22-1941	20	18	South Bend, IN
17	W	11-28-1942	13	0	Los Angeles, CA
18	W	11-30-1946	26	6	South Bend, IN
19	W	12-06-1947	38	7	Los Angeles, CA
20	T	12-04-1948	14	14	Los Angeles, CA
21	W	11-26-1949	32	0	South Bend, IN
22	L	12-02-1950	7	9	Los Angeles, CA
23	W	12-01-1951	19	12	Los Angeles, CA
24	W	11-29-1952	9	0	South Bend, IN
25	W	11-28-1953	48	14	Los Angeles, CA
26	W	11-27-1954	23	17	South Bend, IN
27	L	11-26-1955	20	42	Los Angeles, CA
28	L	12-01-1956	20	28	Los Angeles, CA
29	W	11-30-1957	40	12	South Bend, IN
30	W	11-29-1958	20	13	Los Angeles, CA
31	W	11-28-1959	16	6	South Bend, IN
32	W	11-26-1960	17	0	Los Angeles, CA
33	W	10-14-1961	30	0	South Bend, IN
34	L	12-01-1962	0	25	Los Angeles, CA
35	W	10-12-1963	17	14	South Bend, IN
36	L	11-28-1964	17	20	Los Angeles, CA
37	W	10-23-1965	28	7	South Bend, IN
38	W	11-26-1966	51	0	Los Angeles, CA
39	L	10-14-1967	7	24	South Bend, IN
40	T	11-30-1968	21	21	Los Angeles, CA
41	T	10-18-1969	14	14	South Bend, IN
42	L	11-28-1970	28	38	Los Angeles, CA
43	L	10-23-1971	14	28	South Bend, IN
44	L	12-02-1972	23	45	Los Angeles, CA
45	W	10-27-1973	23	14	South Bend, IN
46	L	11-30-1974	24	55	Los Angeles, CA
47	L	10-25-1975	17	24	South Bend, IN
48	L	11-27-1976	13	17	Los Angeles, CA
49	W	10-22-1977	49	19	South Bend, IN
50	L	11-25-1978	25	27	Los Angeles, CA
51	L	10-20-1979	23	42	South Bend, IN
52	L	12-06-1980	3	20	Los Angeles, CA
53	L	10-24-1981	7	14	South Bend, IN
54	L	11-27-1982	13	17	Los Angeles, CA
55	W	10-22-1983	27	6	South Bend, IN
56	W	11-24-1984	19	7	Los Angeles, CA
57	W	10-26-1985	37	3	South Bend, IN
58	W	11-29-1986	38	37	Los Angeles, CA
59	W	10-24-1987	26	15	South Bend, IN
60	W	11-26-1988	27	10	Los Angeles, CA
61	W	10-21-1989	28	24	South Bend, IN
62	W	11-24-1990	10	6	Los Angeles, CA
63	W	10-26-1991	24	20	South Bend, IN
64	W	11-28-1992	31	23	Los Angeles, CA
65	W	10-23-1993	31	13	South Bend, IN
66	T	11-26-1994	17	17	Los Angeles, CA
67	W	10-21-1995	38	10	South Bend, IN
68	L	11-30-1996	20	27	Los Angeles, CA
69	L	10-18-1997	17	20	South Bend, IN
70	L	11-28-1998	0	10	Los Angeles, CA
71	W	10-16-1999	25	24	South Bend, IN
72	W	11-25-2000	38	21	Los Angeles, CA
73	W	10-20-2001	27	16	South Bend, IN
74	L	11-30-2002	13	44	Los Angeles, CA
75	L	10-18-2003	14	45	South Bend, IN
76	L	11-27-2004	10	41	Los Angeles, CA
77	L	10-15-2005	31	34	South Bend, IN
78	L	11-25-2006	24	44	Los Angeles, CA
79	L	10-20-2007	0	38	South Bend, IN
80	L	11-29-2008	3	38	Los Angeles, CA
81	L	10-17-2009	27	34	South Bend, IN
82	W	11-27-2010	20	16	Los Angeles, CA
83	L	10-22-2011	17	31	South Bend, IN
84	W	11-24-2012	22	13	Los Angeles, CA
85	W	10-19-2013	14	10	South Bend, IN
86	L	11-29-2014	14	49	Los Angeles, CA
87	W	2015-10-17	41	31	South Bend, IN
88	L	2016-11-26	27	45	Los Angeles, CA
89	W	2017-10-21	49	14	South Bend, IN
90	W	2018-11-24	24	17	Los Angeles, CA
91	W	2019-10-12	30	27	South Bend, IN
92	W	2021-10-23	31	16	South Bend, IN
93	L	2022-11-26	27	38	Los Angeles, CA
94	W	2023-10-14	48	20	South Bend, IN
95		2024-11-30			Los Angeles, CA