USC Trojans Rivalries Heighten Tensions with Oregon, Notre Dame and the NCAA

The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans football program, one of the most successful in college history, continues to generate intense rivalries. Long‑standing match‑ups with the Oregon Ducks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are highlighted by a 65‑game series with USC leading 38‑24‑2 and a 51‑37‑5 record against Notre Dame, respectively. Recent seasons have seen Oregon win four straight meetings, while the Trojans still rely on their multiple national titles.

Beyond on‑field competition, USC’s relationship with the NCAA remains strained. Past sanctions erased wins, vacated a Heisman award and led to tournament bans, fueling fan resentment that persists despite new name‑image‑likeness (NIL) rules. Current head coach Lincoln Riley inherits both the program’s storied legacy and its ongoing disputes with the governing body.