USC and Notre Dame reignite college football’s legendary rivalry—could their return shape the playoff landscape? Marc Kulkin sits down with LA Times USC beat writer Ryan Kartje to unpack the high-stakes negotiations bringing these powerhouse programs back to the gridiron. They explore how playoff expansion, recruiting battles, and the ever-present influence of donor money compelled both schools to resume talks, with the timing and terms of future clashes still up in the air.

Key discussion points include the fallout from the College Football Playoff’s memorandum favoring Notre Dame, whether USC was caught off guard in negotiations, and the scramble for plan B opponents. The hosts debate USC’s blue blood status in the Big Ten, why Michigan and Ohio State avoid Friday night lights, and forecast the Trojans’ path to the expanded playoffs. Can Lincoln Riley’s latest roster changes and new defensive leadership push USC into championship contention?

#USCTrojans #USCFootball #USCRecruiting #NotreDame #NCAA #LincolnRiley #KingMiller #WaymondJordan #Jayden Maiava #OhioState #Oregon, #BigTenfootball #USCrecruiting #Collegefootballplayoffs

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