Los Angeles, CA — May 23, 2025
A prominent and long-time USC football booster has made headlines after threatening to remove the University of Southern California from his will in response to growing speculation that the historic rivalry between USC and Notre Dame may be coming to an end. The potential cancellation of one of college football’s most iconic matchups has triggered widespread backlash among fans, alumni, and members of both schools’ communities.
James “Jim” R. Hanover III, a wealthy Southern California real estate mogul and USC alum who has donated over $25 million to Trojan athletics over the past three decades, issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday. In it, Hanover expressed “deep disappointment and outrage” over rumors that the annual game between USC and Notre Dame might be scrapped in the wake of conference realignments and scheduling conflicts.
“If USC chooses to walk away from one of the most sacred rivalries in college football history, it will do so without my support,” Hanover wrote. “I have instructed my legal counsel to revise my estate plan to exclude USC from any future bequests if this rivalry is discontinued.”
Hanover’s threat comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the continuation of the rivalry game, which has been played annually—except during World War II—since 1946. With USC now fully integrated into the Big Ten Conference and Notre Dame maintaining its football independence, logistical challenges have made future scheduling more complex. USC’s Big Ten obligations will require more cross-country travel and fewer opportunities for non-conference games, putting strain on longstanding traditional matchups.
The reaction to Hanover’s ultimatum was swift and emotional. Within hours of his statement, #SaveTheRivalry began trending on social media, with thousands of fans and former players voicing their support for keeping the rivalry alive.
“This game is about more than football,” tweeted former USC quarterback Matt Leinart. “It’s about tradition, pride, and two of the most storied programs in college football going head-to-head. Losing this game would be a tragedy.”
- Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick weighed in during a press conference Friday morning, saying the university “remains committed to preserving the rivalry” but acknowledged “significant hurdles” in coordinating future dates with USC’s Big Ten schedule.
USC Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen, who has been navigating the program’s transition into the Big Ten, issued a carefully worded response to Hanover’s threat. “We value our alumni and donors and appreciate Mr. Hanover’s passion and lifelong dedication to USC football. While no final decisions have been made regarding the Notre Dame series, we are committed to exploring all options to maintain our traditions while adapting to a new era of college athletics.”
Still, critics worry that financial pressures and conference politics may ultimately outweigh tradition. College football’s rapidly changing landscape—marked by realignment, expanded playoffs, and the increasing commercialization of the sport—has left many questioning whether iconic rivalries can survive the shift.
“The Notre Dame–USC game is woven into the fabric of college football,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “Losing it would be like tearing a page out of the sport’s history book.”
Alumni groups have already begun organizing letter-writing campaigns and fundraising efforts to express their disapproval of any decision to end the rivalry. One USC alumni organization said it plans to withhold donations until a commitment is made to preserve the annual matchup.
While USC has not set a firm timeline for a decision, insiders suggest that talks are ongoing and involve both athletic departments, TV networks, and conference officials. The schools’ current agreement extends through the 2026 season, leaving a short window for a long-term solution.
For now, the fate of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry remains uncertain—but the message from many in the Trojan community, including one of its wealthiest benefactors, is clear: some traditions are worth fighting for.
Whether that message resonates with decision-makers in a rapidly evolving college football ecosystem remains to be seen.
