USC at Notre Dame - 2025 Matchup Preview
USC logo USC Trojans at Notre Dame Fighting IrishNotre Dame logo
Saturday, October 18th 2025 (7:30 PM EDT)
Notre Dame Stadium - Notre Dame, IN

 
Trojans (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Lincoln Riley (25 - 14)
Avg Score : 30 - 24 (22 - 24 on Road)
Record Prediction: 7.2 - 4.8 (#48)
'25 Opponents: (Elite: 3) (Good: 3) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 5)
ND 3rd straight Home Game
ND is playing their 6th straight game
Our Line: Notre Dame -17   (SP+ ND -14)
Projected Score: USC: 16 - ND: 33 (53)
ND Win prob: 90% | Cover: 52%
USC Travel: 1816 miles, 3 hrs behind
Fighting Irish (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Marcus Freeman (33 - 10)
Avg Score : 36 - 16 (34 - 12 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 10.8 - 1.2 (#1)
'25 Opponents: (Elite: 2) (Good: 3) (Avg: 4) (Bad: 3)
 
USC's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 8/30 USC vs Missouri State-32.559.5
Sat 9/6 USC vs Georgia Southern-17
Sat 9/13 USC at Purdue-21
Sat 9/20 USC vs Michigan State-10.5
Sat 9/27 USC at Illinois+5.5
BYE WEEK
Sat 10/11 USC vs Michigan+7.5
Sat 10/18 USC at Notre Dame+17
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/1 USC at Nebraska+2.5
Sat 11/8 USC vs Northwestern-15.5
Sat 11/15 USC vs Iowa-2
Sat 11/22 USC at Oregon+18
Sat 11/29 USC vs UCLA-13.5

Total: Elite: 3, Good: 3, Avg 1, Bad 3, Poor 2
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 3, Good: 3, Avg 1, Bad 3, Poor 2
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for USC's Schedule
Notre Dame's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sun 8/31 Notre Dame at Miami-2.554.0
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/13 Notre Dame vs Texas A&M-6.5
Sat 9/20 Notre Dame vs Purdue-40.5
Sat 9/27 Notre Dame at Arkansas-14
Sat 10/4 Notre Dame vs Boise State-19
Sat 10/11 Notre Dame vs NC State-22.5
Sat 10/18 Notre Dame vs USC-17
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/1 Notre Dame at Boston College-21
Sat 11/8 Notre Dame vs Navy-33
Sat 11/15 Notre Dame at Pittsburgh-18.5
Sat 11/22 Notre Dame vs Syracuse-23
Sat 11/29 Notre Dame at Stanford-29

Total: Elite: 2, Good: 3, Avg 4, Bad 2, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 2, Good: 3, Avg 4, Bad 2, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Notre Dame's Schedule

Important Stats (2024)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
USC#41 (.24)48% (11)30.252% (10)3.49 (9)13846% (26)2693.76 (85)#78 (.18)44% (94)24.144% (78)44% (103)3.64 (49)461.41.2
ND#8 (.32)47% (22)36.147% (26)3.31 (24)18147% (21)1604.8 (5)#1 (-.02)36% (8)15.543% (73)29% (1)2.75 (4)42.40.81.8
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
USC0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
ND0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2024
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
USC Offense1330.221.848.4%3.761.4214081382695.540%60%52%46%18%.24
ND Defense1615.51236.4%2.751.8 - - - - - 51%48%43%29%19%-.02
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
USC Defense1324.123.843.8%3.641.2 - - - - - 46%53%44%44%14%.18
ND Offense1636.133.747%4.80.8173411811606.353%47%47%47%11%.32

Additional Stats 2024
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
USC1328:1221.345%47%5.3461.41.23.91.5133.7
Notre Dame1624:3416.839%76%4.842.40.81.842.1533.2
Run Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
USC Offense1340% (126)52% (10)25.2138.45.519 (73).23 (21)3.49 (9)85% (6)8% (24)0.89 (106)
ND Defense1651% (78)43% (73) - - - - .1 (58)2.9 (49)67% (29)10% (57)0.85 (12)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
USC Defense1346% (22)44% (78) - - - - .18 (96)3.17 (92)76% (81)7% (127)1 (77)
ND Offense1653% (46)47% (26)28.6181.36.342 (3).36 (2)3.31 (24)73% (71)8% (26)1.3 (1)

Pass Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
USC Offense1360% (9)46% (26)24.138269.27.111.225 (31)12 (85).25 (74)1.5 (108)29% (24)36% (18).4 (36)10% (134)2 (74)
ND Defense1648% (59)29% (1) - - - - - - 18 (4)-.15 (1)1.6 (67)34% (29)27% (24).1 (2)8% (6)1.6 (2)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
USC Defense1353% (113)44% (103) - - - - - - 10 (66).2 (49)1.3 (4)28% (122)27% (27).14 (6)7% (42)1.8 (8)
ND Offense1647% (89)47% (21)14.922.4159.97.210.820 (58)6 (10).29 (50)1.3 (133)28% (19)32% (58).45 (22)3% (6)2.1 (50)

USC's Power Ratings
USC's Power Rating: 11.09 #33
USC's Offense Rating: 19.56 #36
USC's Defense Rating: 8.47 #30
2025 Talent Rating: 892.00 #20
Blue Chip Ratio: 37% #18
USC's 2025 Expected Record: 7.2 - 4.8
USC's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: 11.0 #30
USC's Offense SP+ Rating: 36.2 #13
USC's Defense SP+ Rating: 25.2 #47

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 887.89
Average Power Five Talent: 856.9
Average FBS Talent: 681.31

Power Ratings Matchup
USC: 11.09   Notre Dame: 28.25

SP+ Ratings Matchup
USC: 11.0   Notre Dame: 24.9




Notre Dame's Power Ratings
Notre Dame's Power Rating: 28.25 #10
Notre Dame's Offense Rating: 26.16 #10
Notre Dame's Defense Rating: -0.44 #6
2025 Talent Rating: 1072.00 #6
Blue Chip Ratio: 51 #8
Notre Dame's 2025 Expected Record: 10.8 - 1.2
Notre Dame's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: 24.9 #6
Notre Dame's Offense SP+ Rating: 38.3 #9
Notre Dame's Defense SP+ Rating: 13.4 #8

Average Talent
Average FBS Independents Talent Rating is 811
Average Power Five Talent: 856.9
Average FBS Talent: 681.31


USC Scoring
Offense: 30.2 PPG
Offense on Road: 21.8
Defense: 24.1 PPG
Defense on Road: 23.8

USC's 2025 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Notre Dame 33
USC 16

Projected Total Points: 53
Notre Dame Scoring
Offense: 36.1 PPG
Offense at Home: 33.7
Defense: 15.5 PPG
Defense at Home: 12

Notre Dame's 2025 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreWinnerSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202411/30USC35Notre Dame49Notre DameNotre Dame -6.5Notre Dame52.5Over
202310/14Notre Dame48USC20Notre DameNotre Dame -3Notre Dame61.0Over
202211/26USC38Notre Dame27USCUSC -4USC63.5Over
202110/23Notre Dame31USC16Notre DameNotre Dame -8Notre Dame59.5Under
201910/12Notre Dame30USC27Notre DameNotre Dame -10.5USC60.0Under
201811/24USC17Notre Dame24Notre DameNotre Dame -12.5USC54.0Under
201710/21Notre Dame49USC14Notre DameNotre Dame -4Notre Dame61.5Over
201611/26USC45Notre Dame27USCUSC -17USC59.5Over
201510/17Notre Dame41USC31Notre DameNotre Dame -3Notre Dame62.0Over
201411/29USC49Notre Dame14USCUSC -7USC0
201310/19Notre Dame14USC10Notre DameNotre Dame -1.5Notre Dame0
201211/24USC13Notre Dame22Notre Dame
201110/22Notre Dame17USC31USC
201011/27USC16Notre Dame20Notre Dame
200910/17Notre Dame27USC34USC
200811/29USC38Notre Dame3USC
200710/20Notre Dame0USC38USC
200611/25USC44Notre Dame24USC
200510/15Notre Dame31USC34USC
200411/27USC41Notre Dame10USC
200310/18Notre Dame14USC45USC
200110/20Notre Dame27USC16Notre Dame
200011/24USC21Notre Dame38Notre Dame
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Notre Dame1266 Overs
USC1153 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams13 - 109 - 28 - 11 - 1
Road Teams10 - 132 - 91 - 11 - 8

(#33) USC Info

Preseason ratings
Power Rating: 11.09 #33
Offense Rating: 19.56 #36
Defense Rating: 8.47 #30
Overall SP+ Rating: 11.0 #30
Offense SP+ Rating: 36.2 #13
Defense SP+ Rating: 25.2 #47
Talent Rating: 892.00 #20
Blue Chip Ratio: 37% #18
Expected Record: 7.2 - 4.8

Team Profile
Very Pass heavy Offense 60%, Run: 40%
Great Offense Success Rate of 48%
Good Offensive Explosiveness
Bad in Scoring Position 3.76 PPO
Great Run Success 52%
Good Pass Success 46%
Bad OL Grades, Great OL Yds Per Rush
Avg DL Grades, Awful Sacks/Turnovers
Poor Defense Success Rate of 44%
Avg in Scoring Position 3.64 PPO
Bad Run Def Success 44%
Poor Pass Def Success 44%
Poor Pressure/Havoc/Forcing TOs
Good Field Position


USC Notes
(6/5) OL 2/5 back. 2 solid portals. Avg OL on paper
(6/5) Def lost a lot. 7 Portal adds, 5 DB, 2 DL.
(6/5) New OC Huard (USC QBs), Riley still calling plays
(6/5) F7 very talented but not very productive so far
(6/5) DBs should be much better with 5 portal adds
(5/23) Safeties Ramsey & Fitzgerald a strong duo
(5/13) Caden Chittenden (UNLV) top kicker portal add
(4/4) JUCO RB Waymond Jordan looks great early
(3/22) Riley was 1-4 in road games LY. Yikes.
(3/20) QB Maiava good down the stretch LY
USC     Ratings Matchup     Notre Dame
Power #33
#10
Off #36
#10
Def #30
#6
Talent #20
#6
SP+ #30
#6
SP+ Off #13
#9
SP+ Def #47
#8

Previous Matchups
Notre Dame beat USC last year (49-35)
Notre Dame beat USC in 2023 (48-20)
USC beat Notre Dame in 2022 (38-27)

Weather Forecast
Playing in Notre Dame Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°

Team Information
Injuries: USC | ND
Depth Chart: USC | ND
Rosters: USC | ND
(#10) Notre Dame Info

Preseason ratings
Power Rating: 28.25 #10
Offense Rating: 26.16 #10
Defense Rating: -0.44 #6
Overall SP+ Rating: 24.9 #6
Offense SP+ Rating: 38.3 #9
Defense SP+ Rating: 13.4 #8
Talent Rating: 1072.00 #6
Blue Chip Ratio: 51 #8
Expected Record: 10.8 - 1.2

Team Profile
Balanced offense, Pass: 47%, Run: 53%
Great Offense Success Rate of 47%
Great Offensive Explosiveness
Great in Scoring Position 4.8 PPO
Good Run Success 47%
Great Pass Success 47%
Avg OL Grades, Good OL Yds Per Rush
Great DL Grades, Avg Sacks/Turnovers
Great Defense Success Rate of 36%
Great in Scoring Position 2.75 PPO
Bad Run Def Success 43%
Great Pass Def Success 29%
Good Pressure/Havoc/Forcing TOs
Avg Field Position


Notre Dame Notes
(5/23) Secondary top 5 in CFB w/ a great CB duo
(4/4) CB Moore (So)/LB Bowen (Jr) top 10 via PFF
(3/21) New DC Ash big shoes to fill (Golden-NFL)
(3/18) QB1? Angeli, Carr, Minchey
(3/18) RBs Love/Price/Williams best in CFB?
(3/18) WR, Greathouse CFP star, Faison shifty
(3/18) WR, can portals Fields/Pauling be weapons?
(3/18) OL loaded. Health, time to gel a concern.
(3/18) Def great, needs new leaders w/ new DC
(1/18) Freeman a rising star, ext'd to 2030


  
USC's OC Luke Huard
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Jayden Maiava10116960%12011167.1
Makai Lemon11100%390039.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Eli Sanders (Tr)147106497.275
Bryan Jackson3618815.223
Jayden Maiava204542.313
Zach Williams31605.311
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Makai Lemon52764314.770
Ja'Kobi Lane435251212.233
Prince Strachan (Tr)25304112.237
Lake McRee24245010.234

View USC's Full Roster
USC's DC D'Anton Lynn
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Kamari Ramsey606215
D.J. Harvey (Tr)587206
Bishop Fitzgerald (Tr)557028
Eric Gentry337201
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Braylan Shelby285321
Kamari Ramsey606215
Eric Gentry337201
D.J. Harvey (Tr)587206
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Bishop Fitzgerald (Tr)557028
D.J. Harvey (Tr)587206
Kamari Ramsey606215

Notre Dame's OC Mike Denbrock
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Malachi Fields (Tr)2367%510017.0
Tyler Buchner11100%230023.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Jeremiyah Love1631124176.998
Jadarian Price12074676.270
Aneyas Williams3421926.458
Kedren Young2111615.512
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Malachi Fields (Tr)55808514.745
Jaden Greathouse42592414.154
Will Pauling (Tr)4240739.728
Jordan Faison30356111.944

View Notre Dame's Full Roster
Notre Dame's DC Chris Ash
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Drayk Bowen784122
Adon Shuler593025
Jaiden Ausberry566121
Jaylen Sneed516320
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jared Dawson (Tr)197400
Donovan Hinish344441
Junior Tuihalamaka326331
Boubacar Traore126320
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Leonard Moore4820111
Christian Gray353009
DeVonta Smith (Tr)301015