College football's most iconic intersectional rivalry might be on the verge of a comeback, and we've got a simple compromise that could bring USC and Notre Dame back together.

After nearly a century of annual clashes, the Trojans and Fighting Irish hit a scheduling snag that left them without a game for the 2026 season. But according to a recent report from the Los Angeles Times, the two storied programs are back at the negotiating table—and the solution might be easier than you think.

The main sticking point? Timing. Notre Dame has been adamant about keeping the game in its traditional slot: mid-October in South Bend during odd years, and late November in Los Angeles during even years. That's been the rhythm for over six decades, and the Irish aren't eager to change it. USC, however, wants to move the matchup earlier in the season, aligning it with the typical nonconference schedule.

Here's the compromise that could save the day: move the South Bend game to the start of the season, but keep the Los Angeles game in its traditional rivalry weekend slot. This gives USC exactly what they want—avoiding a mid-season trip to South Bend during the heart of Big Ten play—while also ensuring the Trojans close out every season with a home rivalry game at the Coliseum. In even years, that's Notre Dame; in odd years, it's UCLA.

For Notre Dame, the deal is just as sweet. They'd still get their Thanksgiving trip to California every season (finishing at Stanford in odd years), which is a massive win for their West Coast fan base. Plus, let's be honest—who wants to be in South Bend in late November when the weather turns bitter? This keeps the Irish and their fans in sunnier skies when it matters most.

And the biggest winners of all? The fans. In even years, USC-Notre Dame remains one of college football's premier rivalry weekend matchups, a tradition that's been thrilling audiences for generations. This compromise keeps the magic alive while giving both programs the flexibility they need in an ever-changing college football landscape.