Notre Dame, USC Reportedly in 'Active' Talks to Resume Rivalry Series in Future CFB Schedules

Notre Dame and USC "are in active discussions" to renew their historic rivalry in college football, according to the Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje.

"It's not clear yet when the rivalry series will return or what the terms will be," Kartje reported Monday. "A person familiar with the discussions not authorized to talk about them publicly told The Times that Notre Dame is now willing to discuss playing the game earlier in the season, which had previously been a sticking point."

He added that 2030 could be the earliest the schools face off again.

Notre Dame and USC's series dates back to 1926, and they've played 93 times. Most recently, the Fighting Irish were 34-24 victors last October in South Bend. Running back Jeremiyah Love played a starring role, going for 228 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

The schools putting the rivalry on hold indefinitely reflects the ever-changing landscape of college football.

USC plays nine Big Ten games each year, leaving only three slots to fill in its schedule. Adding Notre Dame would obviously shrink that number even further.

Programs in the Trojans' position are also incentivized to put the College Football Playoff ahead of storied matchups. That's especially true with a clash involving Notre Dame because the Fighting Irish are assured of a CFP spot moving forward if the selection committee ranks it in the top 12.

There's more to lose and less to gain when playing Notre Dame because the school is afforded that kind of postseason security.

Without referencing Notre Dame by name, USC athletic director Jen Cohen cited another consideration. The Trojans would prefer to play earlier in the season, before they've started their conference slate.

"Intentionally making our road to the CFP significantly more difficult than our Big Ten peers does not align with our goal to win championships," she said.

College football fans are ultimately the big losers in situations like this. The sport is driven by its history and one school claiming bragging rights over a rival.

The return of Notre Dame vs. USC, albeit not for a few years, is something both fan bases would celebrate.