Freeman went on to acknowledge that Notre Dame hasn't ruled out joining a conference ever but left that possibility contingent on the program finding itself at serious enough disadvantage in its independence.

While USC head coach Lincoln Riley has been non-committal about facing the Fighting Irish each year, Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman last month made it clear that he will do whatever it takes to continue the tradition. Freeman reiterated this stance in a recent appearance on " The Joel Klatt Show ."

In the season premiere of "Big Noon Conversations," Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman opens up with Joel Klatt on its rivalry with USC, its independent status and what he learned from early losses.