USC already took the ND game off their listed 2027 schedule. Once they switched to the BIG it was overkill... They had a more challenging schedule, MUCH more travel and 9 conference games.
I believe they are still talking but USC wanted the games switched to early season. ND would not acomodate that request so USC bounced. Notre Dame should be able to get good early season matchups, the problem is the mid to late season when everyone is right smack dab in conference play. Without the ACC gifting them these games they are screwed. No good SEC or BIG teams will schedule a game with them after conference play starts.