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Notre Dame vs USC

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description Notre Dame vs USC Overview

The Notre Dame–USC football rivalry is a college football series between the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the University of Southern California Trojans. The intersectional rivalry began in 1926 and is traditionally played in late November. The teams compete for the Jeweled Shillelagh, a trophy adorned with replica shamrocks and trojans denoting each team's victories. It is considered one of the most historic and prominent rivalries in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.

help Notre Dame vs USC FAQ

What trophy do Notre Dame and USC compete for?

The winner receives the Jeweled Shillelagh, a carved Irish club adorned with jeweled shamrocks for Notre Dame victories and ruby-adorned Trojan helmets for USC wins. The trophy has been part of the rivalry since 1952 and is maintained by the Notre Dame Club of Los Angeles.

When did the Notre Dame–USC rivalry begin?

The two programs first met in 1926, when Notre Dame traveled to Los Angeles to play USC. The rivalry was conceived partly to give Notre Dame a regular presence on the West Coast and to build national exposure for both programs during the early era of college football.

Where is the Notre Dame vs USC game played each year?

The game alternates between Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC's home venue. Notre Dame hosts in even-numbered years and USC hosts in odd-numbered years, with the game traditionally scheduled in late October or November.

Who holds the overall series lead in the Notre Dame–USC rivalry?

Notre Dame holds a narrow edge in the all-time series, though the margin has shifted back and forth over the decades. Both programs have experienced extended winning streaks, including USC's dominant run under head coach Pete Carroll in the 2000s and Notre Dame's stretches of success in other eras.

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