With USC and Notre Dame pausing their annual rivalry through 2025, questions have emerged about which program now represents the Trojans’ most significant rival. The crosstown matchup between USC and UCLA has gained prominence as a result, particularly since both schools recently joined the Big Ten Conference and will face each other regularly going forward.
Notre Dame and USC decided to temporarily discontinue their rivalry games to prioritize their respective College Football Playoff aspirations. While the two programs plan to resume their series in 2030, the four-season gap creates uncertainty about the rivalry’s future significance. This break has opened the door for UCLA to claim the top rival spot in USC’s football landscape.
However, some analysts argue that while UCLA may hold the title of biggest rival, the Oregon Ducks represent USC’s most crucial matchup in terms of competitive standing. Oregon’s program has demonstrated immediate strength in the Big Ten, whereas UCLA has struggled since joining the conference. According to observers, USC must establish dominance over Oregon to reclaim its status as a West Coast powerhouse, a priority that may supersede traditional rivalry considerations this season.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
