This season's USC-Notre Dame battle is the last one on the schools' current contract, and the Trojans are reportedly reluctant to commit to a long-term extension. Sports Illustrated reported that USC is uncertain about the series' impact on its College Football Playoff hopes, considering the demands that come with playing a Big Ten schedule.

The biggest gainer: No. 14 Oklahoma, up from No. 25. The Sooners recently added RB Jaydn Ott (Cal) and OG Jake Maikkula (Cal’s ACC archrival, Stanford) to their totally overhauled offense. Also making a big jump is No. 19 Texas Tech, which has probably signed like 38 more players since I started writing this newsletter.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are considered a top 15 team since the year 2000, according to one football writer.

One of the greatest rivalries in college football is back in the news. The USC-Notre Dame series, 95 games old and stocked with legends, is facing an existential crisis.

As it stands, this will be the third different playoff system for college football in the span of three years. For the 10 years leading into last season’s inaugural 12-team playoff, the CFP was a four-team affair. The seeding change was first reported by ESPN, which last year signed a six-year, $7.8 billion deal to televise the expanded playoff.

USC officials insist the school is not trying to kill its prestigious college football series with Notre Dame and instead is seeking shorter contracts.

One of the reasons college football has gained popularity over the years is its historic rivalries. Whether it’s Oklahoma vs. Texas, Ohio State vs. Michigan, USC vs. Notre Dame or Auburn vs. Alabama, fans eagerly gather around their televisions to watch these exciting games.