A historic rivalry continues this weekend as the No. 15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-2) host the No. 21 USC Trojans (5-1) on Saturday, October 18, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, airing nationally on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.
How to Watch Notre Dame vs. USC
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock (subscription required)
- Radio Broadcast: WSBT 960 AM / WNSN 101.5 FM
- Venue: Notre Dame Stadium (Capacity: 77,622 — South Bend, Indiana)
Game Preview
The Fighting Irish enter Week 8 looking to rebound from a tough loss earlier in October, while USC rides momentum after improving to 5-1. Both teams have high-powered offenses, experienced quarterbacks, and defenses that will be tested under the primetime lights.
Notre Dame leads the all-time series 50–37–5, and last season’s meeting in Los Angeles went the Irish’s way — a 49–35 victory over the Trojans at the LA Memorial Coliseum on November 30, 2024. With playoff implications on the line, both teams will be fighting to stay in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl.
Game Odds (via ESPN BET)
- Spread: Notre Dame -8.5
- Total (Over/Under): 62.5 points
- Moneyline: Not currently available
The Irish are favored by more than a touchdown at home, though the Trojans’ explosive offense could make this one a high-scoring affair that tests the over/under line of 62.5 points.
Key Matchups & Players to Watch
Quarterbacks
- USC: J. Maiava – 1,852 passing yards, 13 TDs, 2 INT
- Notre Dame: C. Carr – 1,622 passing yards, 13 TDs, 3 INT
Both quarterbacks are efficient and dynamic, capable of extending plays and spreading the ball across multiple receivers. Expect a duel between two of college football’s most balanced signal-callers.
Running Backs
- USC: W. Jordan – 576 yards, 5 TDs
- Notre Dame: J. Love – 530 yards, 8 TDs
Love has been the Irish’s go-to red-zone weapon, while Jordan’s consistency and burst have anchored USC’s ground game.
Top Receivers
- USC: M. Lemon – 682 yards, 6 TDs
- Notre Dame: J. Faison – 376 yards, 2 TDs
Lemon’s deep threat ability gives USC an edge downfield, but Notre Dame’s passing attack spreads the ball more evenly across its lineup.
Defensive Standouts
- USC: B. Shelby – 3.5 sacks
- Notre Dame: B. Traore – 5.5 sacks
Traore’s pressure up front could be crucial in containing Maiava, while Shelby’s edge presence will look to disrupt Carr’s rhythm.
Series History
- All-Time Series: Notre Dame leads 50–37–5
- Last Meeting: Notre Dame 49, USC 35 (Nov. 30, 2024, Los Angeles)
This rivalry, one of the most storied in college football, has consistently delivered drama and national implications.
Prediction
Expect a hard-fought battle with both offenses trading blows early. Notre Dame’s home-field advantage and defensive edge could make the difference in the second half.
Projected Score: Notre Dame 38, USC 31