"Notre Dame and BYU, the top two at-large teams left out of this year's College Football Playoff field, have agreed to a home-and-home series beginning next season, which marks a halt in the Fighting Irish's longtime annual series with rival USC. The 2026 game in Provo, Utah, is expected to fill the final spot on Notre Dame's schedule, as the other 11 games have been announced. Both Notre Dame and USC have said they want to continue the cherished rivalry, but USC has expressed concern about the timing of the game, wanting it to be early in the season, when most Power 4 teams play marquee nonconference games."
"I can certainly speak for Notre Dame, and I can pretty much speak for USC. Both schools want to keep this going. They have to be obviously very aware of our schedule. We have to be aware of their schedule. We both have to be aware of the new reality in college football, but I've had great conversations with [USC athletic director] Jen Cohen. We're both committed, and Notre Dame and USC are both committed to getting something done."
"The Fighting Irish finished No. 11 in the final CFP standings despite 10 consecutive double-digit wins to close the season, while BYU finished at No. 12 after an 11-1 regular season and a loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game. The dates for the 2026 and 2027 game (at Notre Dame) will be announced later."
Notre Dame and BYU, the two highest-ranked at-large teams excluded from this year's College Football Playoff, agreed to a home-and-home series beginning next season, pausing Notre Dame's longtime annual series with USC. The 2026 game in Provo, Utah, is expected to fill Notre Dame's final schedule spot; the other 11 games are set. USC prefers the rivalry be played early in the season, creating timing concerns. Notre Dame finished No. 11 in the final CFP standings after 10 consecutive double-digit wins; BYU finished No. 12 following an 11-1 regular season and a loss in the Big 12 championship. Dates for the 2026 and 2027 games will be announced later.
Read at ESPN.com
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