Lincoln Riley addresses paused USC-Notre Dame rivalry at Big Ten media days
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 11:58 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
USC head coach Lincoln Riley discussed the halted football rivalry with Notre Dame during Big Ten media days on July 28, 2026. The two programs failed to agree on a matchup for the 2026 season, ending a streak of 78 consecutive seasons of competition. Riley reiterated his earlier comments, placing the blame on Notre Dame for the impasse and expressing hope the series can resume soon. USC previously proposed moving the game to the start of the season but was unable to reach an agreement. Notre Dame has since scheduled two games against BYU in 2026-27, complicating the potential for reconvening the rivalry sooner.
- •Rivalry game scheduled for 2026 is now paused.
- •Riley attributes blame for the hiatus to Notre Dame.
- •USC proposed altering the game date to maintain the series.
- •Notre Dame has finalized games against BYU for 2026-27.
- •Both programs agreed to continue discussions for future matchups.
- 11:58 PMYahoo Sports — Lincoln Riley reiterates stance on paused USC-Notre Dame rivalry: 'We want to play the game'
"Riley was asked about the storied series at Big Ten media days. He started by referring media to his December comments, in which he blamed Notre Dame for the unpopular hiatus.
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