Here’s everything you need to know about the long-standing feud between the Trojans and Fighting Irish before they kick off again in South Bend.

When you talk about the greatest rivalries in college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. USC Trojans is usually mentioned quickly. This weekend's matchup between the two programs is an extremely important test for each squad. For Notre Dame, the path toward a College Football Playoff berth is simple: win out, and you're probably in.

The defense is led by linebacker Drayk Bowen and safety Adon Shuler. Bowen leads the team with 31 tackles. Shuler is second with 29 tackles and one interception. Boubacar Traore leads the team with 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.

No. 13 Notre Dame will turn to sophomore Joe Otting to take over at center for Saturday's showdown against No. 20 USC.

The college football Week 8 schedule is headlined on Saturday with Ole Miss at Georgia. See the college football schedule for Week 8 here.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 04: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores throws a pass during the first quarter of a football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) Getty Images

A loaded Saturday of games features the two West Coast teams as major underdogs on the road in matchups with postseason implications.

Sam Houston four-star offensive lineman Albert Simien continues navigating a critical stretch in his recruitment with a myriad of programs ba