The college football world is once again buzzing with debate—and this time, USC head coach Lincoln Riley finds himself at the center of it. Riley has come under fire for recent remarks he made regarding the College Football Playoff and the future of USC’s historic rivalry with Notre Dame, leading to a wave of criticism from fans, analysts, and traditionalists who believe he’s missing the mark.
Since the inception of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the system has undergone multiple changes in an attempt to satisfy an ever-growing and vocal fan base. Despite these efforts, many feel that none of the current or upcoming formats have struck the right balance between inclusivity, competitiveness, and tradition. In this charged environment, every coach’s opinion on the matter is closely scrutinized—especially one who helms a major program like USC.
Riley recently made headlines by expressing a relatively indifferent stance on the evolving rivalry between USC and Notre Dame—one of the oldest and most storied matchups in college football history. His comments, which lacked a strong endorsement for preserving the annual game, didn’t sit well with many who view these rivalries as the very heart of the sport.
In contrast, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has been much more vocal about his desire to maintain the rivalry. Freeman has spoken passionately about what the game means—not just to his team and university, but to the broader college football landscape. He sees it as a vital tradition that connects generations of players and fans.
Riley’s more tepid remarks have left many wondering whether the rivalry’s future is truly secure. While he did acknowledge the importance of the matchup to some degree, critics argue that his tone and timing suggest that the passion may not be fully there. For fans who have lived for the annual USC-Notre Dame clash—regardless of records or playoff implications—this ambivalence feels like a potential death knell.
The broader issue extends beyond this one rivalry. As college football becomes more commercialized and playoff-driven, long-standing traditions risk falling by the wayside. Conference realignment, expanded playoffs, and scheduling challenges are making it harder to maintain historic non-conference games. This shift has left purists worried that the soul of college football is slowly being traded for television ratings and national seeding.
For many, Lincoln Riley’s comments represent a microcosm of that larger problem. Critics believe that head coaches at major programs have a responsibility not just to win games, but to safeguard the traditions that make college football unique. Rivalries like USC vs. Notre Dame are not just about bragging rights—they’re about heritage, emotion, and continuity.
Only time will tell if this particular rivalry survives the modern pressures of college football’s evolving landscape. But if it does fade, many fans will look back on moments like these—as warnings that were ignored. For now, true fans remain vocal in their support of tradition, demanding that leaders like Riley not only understand the significance of rivalries but actively fight to preserve them.