Is the Iconic Notre Dame-USC Football Clash Still a Game-Changer in College Sports?
Picture this: A storied rivalry that's captivated fans for generations, pitting two elite programs against each other in a battle for supremacy. But here's where it gets controversial— is this annual showdown between Notre Dame and USC really as monumental as it once was? Dive in with me as we unpack the buzz, the data, and the debates surrounding its future.
Just a couple of weeks ago, insider John Ourand from Puck dropped a bombshell: Netflix was eyeing the rights to broadcast the yearly Notre Dame-USC matchup. For those new to the scene, this rivalry isn't just any game—it's a tradition dating back decades, filled with high-stakes drama and alumni fervor. Yet, making this happen sounds like a logistical nightmare. Notre Dame's already locked into a contract with NBC for its home contests, while USC—now part of the Big Ten—has agreements spanning Fox, NBC, and CBS for league broadcasts. Ourand's scoop fizzled out quickly, but hold onto your seats—a fresh update from the Los Angeles Times reveals that chats between Netflix and USC about future scheduling are still bubbling under the surface. Why persist with such a tangle? Well, if Netflix ever inked a deal, you'd bet your bottom dollar on lawsuits flying from multiple directions. And this is the part most people miss: Is Notre Dame-USC even worth the hassle anymore? Is USC's football program still a national heavyweight? From my perspective and backed by cold, hard stats, the answer leans toward no.
Take a look at the top 25 most-viewed college football games so far this season—USC isn't even on the radar. It's absent, a total no-show, proving it's become a non-entity in the broader college football universe. Even last year's Notre Dame-USC clash didn't crack the top 10 most-watched games of 2024, according to Sports Illustrated. It's puzzling, isn't it? Why would Netflix chase a matchup that feels increasingly irrelevant in the grand scheme of college sports? It makes you wonder if nostalgia is clouding judgment here—perhaps the game's cultural significance outweighs its current draw, sparking debates about whether old rivalries deserve modern hype.
Shifting gears to viewership, location is everything. Fans often gripe about networks prioritizing teams from big markets like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Dallas, but the numbers tell a compelling story. Consider this past Sunday's ALCS Game 1 between the Mariners and Blue Jays, which racked up 5.3 million viewers on Fox. Compare that to last season's NLCS opener featuring the Dodgers and Mets, also on a Sunday night, pulling in a hefty 8.2 million for Fox. The Seattle-Toronto tilt stayed nail-bitingly close, ending with the Mariners' 3-1 victory, while the Dodgers-Mets game was essentially decided early—Los Angeles stormed to a 6-0 lead in four innings before sealing a 9-0 romp. And let's not forget the competition: The Mariners-Blue Jays battled head-to-head with the Lions-Chiefs Sunday Night Football showdown, where Kansas City's 30-17 triumph drew a massive 27.3 million viewers on NBC. In contrast, the previous year's Dodgers-Mets affair went against a Bengals-Giants match that barely mustered 15.4 million, ranking as one of the lowest-rated Sunday night NFL games ever. This highlights how market size and timing can skyrocket or sink ratings— a lesson for college fans pondering why certain games dominate while others fade into obscurity.
Speaking of timely drops, our brand-new SI Media With Jimmy Traina episode hit early this week—usually Thursdays, but we couldn't wait to share it. This installment features a lively chat with SiriusXM's Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo, the legendary radio hall-of-famer. We dive deep into MLB's fresh TV contracts, their strategy of spreading games across numerous broadcasters, and Russo's pick for NBC's top MLB announcer come next season. He also shares thoughts on rolling out the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system in 2026. Rounding out the discussion, we touch on Molly Qerim's exit from First Take, why he's less hyped about the Bruce Springsteen biopic compared to the Bob Dylan one, his interview with Scottie Scheffler's dad at the Ryder Cup, and plenty more. Afterward, WFAN and SNY's Sal Licata joins for our signature 'Traina Thoughts' segment, where I spill updates on ESPN's revamped app, we fantasize about dream interviews, and fondly recall a classic 1980s WWF storyline. Tune in right below or catch it on Apple and Spotify for an engaging deep dive into sports media.
On the podcast front, Netflix made waves this Tuesday by teaming up with Spotify, meaning all of The Ringer's shows will land on the streaming giant starting in 2026. I'm no expert, but this partnership screams 'game-changer'—Netflix boasts over 301 million subscribers, so exposing The Ringer's content to that vast audience is a huge victory for Bill Simmons and his crew. Imagine it: Curated Spotify video podcasts, including gems from Spotify Studios and The Ringer Network, streaming seamlessly on Netflix. Think The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, The McShay Show, The Rewatchables, Serial Killers, and The Dave Chang Show—all accessible in one place. For beginners, this could be a gateway to discovering new voices in sports, comedy, and culture, blending entertainment with easy access.
Meanwhile, the NFL has some serious housekeeping to do. Lions head coach Dan Campbell claimed on Tuesday that the call to review and overturn Jared Goff's touchdown catch against the Chiefs came straight from league headquarters in New York. But referee Craig Wrolstad insisted New York wasn't involved at all. Somebody's not telling the full story, right? It's a classic case of conflicting accounts, fueling accusations of favoritism or outright deception. And this is where controversy ignites—does the NFL play favorites, or is this just human error? Fans are rightfully outraged, with hashtags like #OnePride amplifying the cries for transparency. It's a reminder that in high-stakes sports, every decision matters, and trust hangs by a thread.
NFL Films never disappoints with their mic'd-up gems, and this week's installment, courtesy of Daniel Jones, cracked us up. Turns out, the Colts might want to stock up on tissues on the sidelines—clearly, emotions were running high in Indy! The positive energy in Indianapolis is palpable, making for must-see footage that captures the raw intensity of the game.
Finally, RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: Mark your calendars for a celebration—it's been 25 years since Curb Your Enthusiasm debuted with that unforgettable 'pants tent' episode on HBO. A true comedy milestone!
Don't forget to revisit past Traina Thoughts segments and subscribe to the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify, or Google. Follow me on X and Instagram for more updates.
What do you think—does the Notre Dame-USC rivalry deserve Netflix's attention, or has its time passed? Is the NFL's handling of calls fair, or should they overhaul their review process? Share your takes in the comments—do you agree these games are overhyped, or am I missing something? Let's debate!
