Lincoln Riley Eyes USC-Notre Dame Rivalry: “It’s One of the Main Reasons I Took This Job”
USC head coach Lincoln Riley has made it clear that the historic rivalry between the Trojans and the Fighting Irish was a major factor in his decision to come to Southern California. Speaking recently about the importance of college football’s most storied non-conference rivalry, Riley emphasized how the USC-Notre Dame matchup embodies everything he loves about the sport—tradition, intensity, and national relevance.
“This is one of those games you grow up watching, no matter where you’re from,” Riley said. “The USC-Notre Dame rivalry is one of the main reasons I took this job. You don’t get opportunities like this everywhere.”
The USC-Notre Dame rivalry dates back to 1926 and has featured countless iconic moments, legendary players, and national championship implications. With both programs boasting rich histories and Heisman-winning quarterbacks, the annual clash transcends regions and conferences. For Riley, it’s a chance to cement his place in Trojan lore and restore USC to the elite level the rivalry demands.
When Riley accepted the head coaching role at USC in late 2021, he did so with a clear vision: to return the Trojans to national prominence. Competing in—and winning—high-stakes games like USC vs. Notre Dame is central to that mission. He understands that beating the Irish is not just about bragging rights—it’s about legacy, recruiting momentum, and maintaining a presence on the national stage.
“You come to USC because you want to play in the biggest games. Notre Dame is one of those games,” Riley added. “It’s part of what makes this place special.”
Under Riley’s leadership, USC has already taken strides toward becoming a contender again, thanks to his offensive mind, high-profile transfers, and aggressive recruiting. But for Trojan fans, a win over Notre Dame is often the measuring stick of a successful season.
With both programs pushing for playoff contention, the rivalry is as relevant as ever. And for Riley, it’s more than a game—it’s a stage where careers are defined.
“I want our players to feel the weight of it—in a good way,” he said. “It’s a rivalry that means something. That’s
why I’m here.”
