© MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kennedy Urlacher transferred from Notre Dame to rival USC last offseason following his first year in South Bend. He met up with his former teammates on Saturday in a return to Indiana.
The Fighting Irish got the best of their counterparts in a 10-point win. Players let Urlacher hear about it after the fact.
USC and Notre Dame boast one of college football’s best rivalries. While it is in danger of disappearing due to recent conference realignment, the two foes matched up this weekend as Top 25 teams.
The Trojans jumped out to an early lead, but Notre Dame held a one-point advantage at halftime. USC regained its lead in the third quarter. It was all Irish after that.
Notre Dame scored the final 13 points of the night to leave with a 34-24 victory. The defense forced turnovers on the final four possessions.
After picking up the win, a few Fighting Irish players greeted their former teammate.
Kennedy Urlacher has been on both sides of the rivalry.
Urlacher, the son of former NFL linebacker Brian, signed with Notre Dame as a 2024 recruit. He played in 14 games as a freshman, making 12 tackles.
He opted to leave for rival Southern Cal after Year 1.
It looked like some Notre Dame players sought out former teammate Kennedy Urlacher to talk some trash near the USC sideline. Christian Gray and Leonard Moore were in the Irish group.
— Tyler James (@TJamesND) October 19, 2025
Notre Dame players sought out Kennedy Urlacher after the game. What was said isn’t exactly clear.
USC players quickly went over to defend their teammate. The situation initially appeared tense!
Little not so friendly sendoff from Notre Dame to USC. Former Fighting Irish safety Kennedy Urlacher was in the midst of this for a bit. He transferred away from ND to stand on the losing sideline in the pouring rain tonight. At least he might not have to face ND ever again. pic.twitter.com/nMszb2wQVX
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) October 19, 2025
Another angle, however, shows that a few of the Irish were simply showing him love.
Several Notre Dame players went over to show love to their former teammate Kennedy Urlacher (#28). There were a few players from both teams running over to see what was happening but nothing to see. https://t.co/R3EFPAmBH9 pic.twitter.com/mbbNsVjJIB
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) October 19, 2025
Why did Urlacher transfer from Notre Dame?
The former three-star prospect carved out a notable role in his debut season with the Irish. He made an immediate impact on special teams. Unfortunately, he was unable to crack into the starting defensive rotation.
It seemed that role was set to continue as he entered his sophomore year. Searching for more opportunity, he left.
He was said to be making strides in the USC secondary during the offseason, but to this point, he’s totaled just four tackles through six appearances.
Kennedy Urlacher may very well land a notable role as the season progresses. He might be elevated into a starting safety spot as a junior.
Unfortunately, he might’ve also learned that the grass isn’t always greener. He wound up on the losing end of this rivalry matchup.