Notre Dame Tops USC in Emotional Finale, Postgame Scuffle Marks Rivalry Clash
In what may have been the final chapter of one of college football’s most storied rivalries, Notre Dame defeated USC once again Saturday night — their third consecutive win over the Trojans and seventh in the last eight matchups.
This particular victory carried extra weight, as the future of the annual rivalry is uncertain beyond the 2025 season. With no guarantee the two teams will meet in 2026, emotions were running especially high in South Bend — and it showed both during and after the game.
Postgame Tensions Boil Over
Tensions came to a head after the final whistle, when players from both sides engaged in a brief on-field scuffle. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was notably vocal during the game, engaging in more trash talk than usual. Once the Irish had secured the win and retained the Jeweled Shillelagh, emotions spilled over as players exchanged words.
Former Notre Dame defensive back Kennedy Urlacher, now at USC after transferring in the offseason, appeared to be involved in the postgame confrontation — with several of his former teammates not missing the chance to remind him how the night ended.
Notre Dame’s Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Shade
Even the in-stadium soundtrack seemed to have a message. After the win, Notre Dame’s public address system played “They Not Like Us,” followed by 2Pac’s “California Love” — a not-so-subtle jab at the Trojans. It was a calculated and playful swipe at USC, as the rivalry potentially heads into an indefinite pause.
Football is an emotional game, and rivalry wins mean a little more — especially when it could be the last time the two teams face off. While Notre Dame Stadium is often seen as a historic but relatively tame environment, moments like these help add some fire to its legacy and make it a tougher venue for rivals.
Regardless of what the future holds for the Notre Dame–USC rivalry, Saturday’s game provided a fitting — and fiery — potential sendoff.
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