Key Takeaways
- Notre Dame and USC first met in 1926 and have played annually since 1929, forming one of college football’s most enduring intersectional rivalries.
- Notre Dame leads the all-time series, with the margin shaped by dominant stretches from both programs.
- The rivalry has produced more Heisman Trophy winners than any other in college football history.
- Historic blowouts, last-second thrillers, and national title implications have defined the series.
- Games rotate between Notre Dame Stadium and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, adding geographic and cultural contrast.
The Origins of the Notre Dame vs USC Rivalry
The Notre Dame vs USC rivalry began in 1926, born from a bold idea to create a national intersectional series between the Midwest and the West Coast. Knute Rockne embraced the concept, elevating both programs to national prominence.
Since 1929, the teams have met annually, making this one of the longest uninterrupted rivalries in the sport. Unlike most rivalries rooted in geography, this one is built on prestige, national recruiting reach, and championship aspirations.
Home-and-Home Tradition
- Games alternate yearly between Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- Notre Dame traditionally wears home jerseys in Los Angeles.
- USC wears home jerseys in South Bend, adding a unique visual tradition.
All-Time Series Record and Historical Results
Notre Dame currently holds the edge in the all-time series, though the margin has shifted across decades.
CategoryNotre DameUSCAll-Time Wins50+35+Ties55Longest Win Streak11 Games8 GamesFirst Meeting1926 (Notre Dame 13, USC 12)
Note: Exact totals update annually. Always verify the most recent game for current records.
Dominant Eras
Notre Dame’s Early Run (1940s): The Irish dominated much of the 1940s, highlighted by a 48-0 victory in 1947, one of the largest margins in series history.
USC’s 1960s and 1970s Surge: Under coaches John McKay and John Robinson, USC rose to national powerhouse status, defeating Notre Dame in several championship-caliber matchups.
Notre Dame’s 1980s Resurgence: Lou Holtz revitalized the Irish program. The 1988 win over USC propelled Notre Dame to a national title.
USC’s Pete Carroll Era (2001–2009): The Trojans went 8-1 against Notre Dame during this stretch, including one of the most controversial finishes in series history.
Largest Victories in Notre Dame vs USC History
YearWinnerScoreMargin1947Notre Dame48-0481974USC55-24312017Notre Dame49-14351966USC51-051
The 1966 USC win remains the largest shutout in the rivalry. However, context matters. That season ended with Notre Dame claiming the national championship after the legendary 10-10 tie against Michigan State.
Most Memorable Games
1964: The Comeback
Notre Dame trailed 24-0 before rallying to win 51-0 after controversial officiating changes halted a USC scoring drive. The game sparked decades of debate.
1974: Anthony Davis Dominates
USC’s Anthony Davis scored six touchdowns in a 55-24 rout, one of the most explosive performances in rivalry history.
1988: National Championship Implications
No. 1 Notre Dame defeated No. 2 USC 27-10, solidifying its path to a national championship.
2005: The “Bush Push” Game
No. 1 USC escaped with a 34-31 victory after a controversial final play in which Matt Leinart scored with assistance from Reggie Bush. The finish remains one of the most discussed endings in college football.
Heisman Trophy Legacy
No rivalry has produced more Heisman Trophy winners.
USC Heisman Winners
- Mike Garrett
- O.J. Simpson
- Charles White
- Marcus Allen
- Carson Palmer
- Matt Leinart
- Reggie Bush
- Caleb Williams
Notre Dame Heisman Winners
- Angelo Bertelli
- Johnny Lujack
- Paul Hornung
- John Huarte
- Tim Brown
Many of these winners directly impacted rivalry games, elevating stakes when the teams met late in the season.
Statistical Comparison: Program Prestige
CategoryNotre DameUSCNational Championships11 Consensus11 ConsensusHeisman Winners78All-Americans100+100+NFL Draft Picks500+500+
Both programs consistently rank among the top five historically in total wins and All-Americans, adding national significance to nearly every meeting.
Recent Trends and Momentum
Over the past decade, the rivalry has seen momentum swings. Notre Dame dominated several matchups in the mid-2010s, including decisive wins in 2017 and 2018. USC responded with competitive performances and key victories as it transitioned coaching staffs.
Modern matchups often feature playoff implications, New Year’s Six bowl positioning, or recruiting impact across California and the Midwest.
Offensive Evolution
- USC traditionally fields high-powered passing attacks.
- Notre Dame historically emphasizes balanced, physical football.
- Recent contests reflect the broader college trend toward spread offenses and up-tempo play.
Streaks and Patterns
- Notre Dame’s longest winning streak: 11 games.
- USC’s longest winning streak: 8 games.
- The rivalry often swings in cycles aligned with coaching stability.
- High-scoring games are more common in the modern era compared to mid-20th century defensive battles.
Coaching continuity has repeatedly influenced the series. Eras under Rockne, Holtz, McKay, and Carroll directly correlate with extended streaks.
Cultural Impact and National Significance
This rivalry transcends football. It represents East vs West, tradition vs flash, and Catholic heritage vs Southern California glamour.
The annual game often serves as:
- A recruiting showcase in talent-rich California.
- A national ratings draw.
- A measuring stick late in the season.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, originally built for the 1932 Olympics, adds historical weight, while Notre Dame Stadium offers one of the sport’s most iconic backdrops.
Why Notre Dame vs USC Still Matters
In the College Football Playoff era, brand power matters more than ever. When Notre Dame and USC are simultaneously strong, the ripple effects extend nationally. Rankings shift. Playoff bids tighten. Media attention intensifies.
Few rivalries combine:
- Nearly a century of uninterrupted competition
- Double-digit national championships on each side
- More Heisman winners than any other head-to-head pairing
- Historic blowouts and last-second classics
Notre Dame vs USC is not just a game. It is a defining chapter in the story of college football.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Notre Dame vs USC Rivalry
When did the Notre Dame vs USC football rivalry start?
The rivalry began in 1926, when Notre Dame beat USC 13–12. The teams have played every year since 1929, making it one of college football’s longest-running annual series.
Who leads the all-time Notre Dame vs USC series?
Notre Dame leads the all-time series. The exact win–loss record can change each season, so you should check the latest game results for the current totals.
Why is the Notre Dame vs USC rivalry important in college football?
The rivalry matters because both schools are historic powers with many national titles, All-Americans, and NFL players. Their games often affect rankings, Heisman races, and postseason bowl and playoff spots.
Where is the Notre Dame vs USC game played each year?
The game rotates each season between Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
Which rivalry has produced the most Heisman Trophy winners?
The Notre Dame vs USC rivalry has produced more Heisman Trophy winners than any other college football rivalry, with star players from both schools impacting key games in the series.
What are some of the most famous Notre Dame vs USC games?
You often hear about the 1974 Anthony Davis game, the 1988 No. 1 vs No. 2 matchup, and the 2005 “Bush Push” finish, all of which had major national title or Heisman implications.
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