College football thrives on rivalries, and few programs embody this tradition more than the USC Trojans. Rivalries define the pulse of a season, shape legacies, and connect generations of fans through unforgettable moments.
For USC, these rivalries stretch across nearly a century of competition, featuring national implications, legendary players, and cultural impact beyond the field.
From annual showdowns with Notre Dame and UCLA to historic conference clashes with Stanford and others, USC’s football story cannot be told without its rivals.
The Notre Dame Rivalry: A Century of Classic Clashes
The rivalry between USC and Notre Dame began in 1926 and quickly developed into the most celebrated intersectional rivalry in college football. This annual meeting pits two of the sport’s most storied programs against one another, often with national championship aspirations hanging in the balance.
The winner takes home the Jeweled Shillelagh, a trophy that symbolizes tradition and respect between these historic institutions. Notre Dame currently leads the series 50-38-5, but the record tells only part of the story.
Games have featured Heisman winners such as USC’s Marcus Allen and Notre Dame’s Tim Brown, along with legendary coaches like John McKay and Lou Holtz. The rivalry regularly captured national attention, often shaping postseason matchups and rankings.
In recent years, conference realignment has raised questions about the future of the series. Despite uncertainties, the rivalry remains central to USC’s identity, and every matchup attracts national coverage.
Fans continue to watch closely because the outcome often influences season expectations. Conversations about future performance naturally intersect with season previews, where followers look at historical context combined with present-day projections, such as those reflected in USC Trojans odds.
The Crosstown Showdown: USC vs. UCLA
The rivalry with UCLA represents more than a football game; it is a cultural battle for Los Angeles. Beginning in 1929, the annual clash quickly became a defining part of college football on the West Coast. Played for the Victory Bell, the matchup carries city bragging rights and consistently delivers passionate performances.
The Trojans lead the all-time series 53-34-7. While USC has historically dominated, the Bruins have recorded iconic wins that reshaped seasons.
Perhaps the most famous meeting occurred in 1967 when both teams entered highly ranked. USC’s victory that year propelled them toward a national championship and cemented the contest as one of the sport’s most significant.
Beyond the field, the rivalry represents competition in academics, recruiting, and athletics across multiple sports.
The outcome often defines the mood of a season for fans on both sides of the city. With postseason implications frequently on the line, these games remain crucial in shaping team momentum.
Stanford and the Pac-12 Rivalries
While not as nationally prominent as Notre Dame or UCLA, Stanford provided one of USC’s longest-standing rivalries within the Pac-12 Conference. USC leads the series 65-34-3, and the matchup has featured surprising upsets, spoiling Trojan championship runs, and elevating Stanford seasons.
This rivalry also symbolized the identity of West Coast football. Games often highlighted contrasting styles, with USC’s tradition of star power and explosive playmaking facing Stanford’s disciplined, physical approach.
The contest regularly influenced Pac-12 standings, producing storylines that reverberated nationally.
However, with both schools departing the Pac-12 in 2024, the series now stands on hiatus. While the official rivalry may be paused, its legacy remains etched in conference history.
Other conference rivalries, including those with California and Oregon, further shaped USC’s competitive journey over the decades.
Cultural and Historical Impact of USC Rivalries
The historical weight of USC’s rivalries reaches far beyond football records. Rivalries elevated the Trojans to a position as one of college football’s most recognizable brands.
National television audiences tuned in not just for the game but for the spectacle, tradition, and passion surrounding each contest.
Rivalries also shaped recruiting battles, pulling future stars into the spotlight. Legendary figures emerged through rivalry games, defining careers and setting benchmarks for future generations. For fans, these games hold personal meaning, marking seasons with unforgettable memories of triumph or heartbreak.
The Future of USC Rivalries
The landscape of college football is shifting dramatically. USC’s move to the Big Ten raises questions about the future of long-standing rivalries while opening the door for new ones. The Notre Dame and UCLA series is expected to continue, preserving vital connections to tradition. Future Big Ten matchups may also create fresh rivalries that build upon USC’s storied past.
The program’s ability to balance old traditions with new opportunities will define the next era of Trojan football. Fans eager to understand these transitions follow both the historical context and the modern implications reflected in data and analysis.
Those seeking a deeper dive into a broader national context often turn to resources offering the latest NCAAF insights and trends, ensuring they remain informed about the evolving season – and what new rivalries are being built.
Rivalries as the Heartbeat of USC Football
Rivalries define USC football in ways few other elements can match. From the legendary intersectional battles against Notre Dame to the fierce crosstown clashes with UCLA and the conference struggles with Stanford, Cal, and Oregon, these matchups are the foundation of the Trojans’ history.
They connect fans across generations, elevate the stakes of every season, and shape the identity of one of college football’s most iconic programs. The future may bring new challenges and unfamiliar opponents, but the legacy of these rivalries ensures that USC will remain at the heart of college football tradition.
*Content reflects information available as of 19/08/2025; subject to change