No. 20 USC rolls into South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday for one of college football’s most storied rivalries — the 96th showdown between the Trojans and No. 13 Notre Dame. It’s the kind of clash that defines autumn Saturdays, and this year’s edition carries extra juice with both programs ranked and postseason dreams on the line.
This Week 8 slate is loaded with top-25 matchups from coast to coast, but few carry the history, fire, and fanfare of USC vs. Notre Dame. With the season at its unofficial halfway point, every snap, every throw, every mistake feels magnified, especially when a playoff push hangs in the balance.
USC heads into the weekend fresh off a statement victory over Michigan, a dominant 31-13 triumph that thrust Lincoln Riley’s team back into the AP Top 25. It marked the Trojans’ biggest win over a ranked opponent since their rout of Stanford in 2023, a reminder that when this offense clicks, it’s nearly impossible to keep up.
Notre Dame, on the other hand, has completely flipped the script on its 0-2 start, rattling off four straight wins. The Fighting Irish are riding high after dismantling NC State 36-7, powered by another sharp outing from quarterback C.J. Carr, who carved up the Wolfpack defense with 342 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-31 passing.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the Notre Dame vs USC NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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Notre Dame vs USC: Date and kick-off time
The Fighting Irish will take on the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:30 pm ET or 4:30 pm PT at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:30 pm ET or 4:30 pm PT |
| Venue | Notre Dame Stadium |
| Location | South Bend, Indiana |
How to watch Notre Dame vs USC on TV & stream live online
Streaming the game with a VPN
Unable to watch this game due to broadcast restrictions? A VPN could be the answer to your problems.
You can watch the game from wherever you are in the world by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as Express VPN. A VPN will allow you to create a secure connection online when you are abroad on holiday or for work, and you want to stream the game live. You can eventry ExpressVPN risk-freewith a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Notre Dame vs USC team news & key players
Notre Dame Fighting Irish team news
For Notre Dame, C.J. Carr has officially found his rhythm. The young signal-caller has thrown for 1,622 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 3 picks, completing 66.5% of his passes while steering an offense averaging 465.5 yards and 40 points per game. His go-to options, Jordan Faison (376 yards, 2 TDs) and Malachi Fields (339 yards, 2 TDs), have given defenses fits, while tight end Eli Raridon (342 yards, 20 receptions) continues to be a matchup nightmare. The Irish offense ranks third in SP+ for a reason — it’s balanced, efficient, and built to strike deep.
On the ground, the duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price has been lethal, combining for over 950 yards and 15 touchdowns. Notre Dame’s 81% red-zone touchdown rate ranks among the nation’s elite, though their 36.4% conversion on fourth down remains a blemish. The offensive line has been steady but not spotless — surrendering 9 sacks while allowing Carr to face pressure on 30.4% of his dropbacks, a potential red flag against USC’s relentless front.
USC Trojans team news
The Trojans bring one of the most dangerous offensive units in the nation to the table, averaging a blistering 552.3 total yards and 45.5 points per game — both ranking among the top three nationally. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been lights out, completing 71.9% of his passes for 1,852 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions, while adding 4 more scores on the ground. His chemistry with wideout Makai Lemon (682 yards, 6 TDs) has been the backbone of USC’s aerial assault, with Ja’Kobi Lane and Lake McRee providing solid support, combining for 602 yards and 3 touchdowns.
What makes this Trojan offense truly terrifying is its efficiency, leading the country in yards per play (8.3) and sitting second in passing offense, all while pounding the rock for 226.5 rushing yards per game. The backfield’s been banged up, with Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders both sidelined, but freshman King Miller has stepped up in style. He gashed Michigan for 158 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season total to 310 yards on just 29 carries. USC’s 55.2% third-down conversion rate and 93.9% red-zone success mark prove this offense doesn’t just move the chains — it finishes drives.