Lincoln Riley Blasted Over Potential End Of USC-Notre Dame Rivalry

The USC Trojans are on the upswing, even after a disappointing 2024 season, with one of the country's best upcoming recruiting classes and a much easier 2025 schedule. They poached a new general manager from their biggest intersectional rivals, and head coach Lincoln Riley has publicly said he's much happier with his roster construction and depth this year. 

Except, despite all that positive momentum, it's that biggest intersectional rivalry that's causing USC fans and former players to express their frustration. A lot of frustration.

USC has reportedly taken a "wait and see" approach to the future of the rivalry with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While justifiable from a playoff standpoint, the yearly matchup between the two teams has become an indelible part of tradition for both schools. And with USC seemingly the sticking point, Riley is getting criticism from prominent former Trojans.

READ: USC-Notre Dame Rivalry A Sign Of Problems With Modern College Football

A former USC captain and current Fox Sports analyst Petros Papadakis might be the most prominent example. Papadakis joined John Canzano's radio show to talk about the rivalry, blasting Riley for potentially ending the nearly 100-year old matchup. 

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley is facing criticism from former SC players and boosters over his handling of the Notre Dame rivalry. (Credit: Getty Images)

"College football has been taken over by the television companies, one of which I work for as you know," Papadakis said. "But honestly none of that in my opinion has anything to do with USC-Notre Dame, and should not have anything to do with USC-Notre Dame. And that’s the beauty of USC-Notre Dame is that it transcends conference realignment, it transcends