Conference changes are now forcing programs to think ahead and make some tough decisions. Shane Beamer just made one at Columbia to retain the value of their schedule in the future. Miami and South Carolina have canceled their home-and-home series for 2026 and 2027, both programs have announced. The new development is a mutual decision between the two programs, as the SEC and ACC undergo scheduling changes.

Announced in 2019, Miami was set to travel to Columbia for the 2026 season, while the latter was to come to the Hard Rock in 2027. But because of the ACC and SEC moving to 9 conference games from 2026, this matchup will not be happening. South Carolina had to choose between Clemson and Miami, since the 2027 schedule stood loaded with P4 teams. Clemson is a big game for South Carolina, since they have been sparring against each other for 129 years. That’s why Miami gets the axe.

Shane Beamer and Co. now play Towson and Clemson in 2026 as non-conference games. But Miami pulling out has opened up a space, pushing the Gamecocks to “actively [pursue] a third non-conference opponent.” South Carolina is now set with their quota for the 2027 schedule, playing Clemson, Appalachian State, and Furman. Interestingly, it has been more than a century since South Carolina enjoyed a lead over Clemson. The series began in 1896, which the Gamecocks won. The Tigers outsmarted them next year, and have since established a 73-44-4 lead.

Shane Beamer is looking at a loaded squad in 2026 itself. Miami would’ve been another strong program among those already existing, like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. The series cancellation also balances out Miami’s scheduling requirements for 2026. The Hurricanes now play Central Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida A&M outside of conference. Miami will also want to hang on to their rivalry with Notre Dame to ensure better chances at making a playoff spot.

However, this decision being mutually-agreed upon was a crucial element to both programs making the scheduling changes. The 2019 contract levied a $3 million cancellation fee if the situation was otherwise. South Carolina might have to pay up, but it is likely that have saved themselves from this cost since the cancellation was a mutual decision.

Conference scheduling and discussions around strength of schedule might be pushing more schools to cancel their series. One age-old rivalry now stands threatened because of this reason.

Will rivalries like USC-Notre Dame follow the Miami-South Carolina decision?

Miami and South Carolina isn’t a rivalry game, so fans won’t be missing out on much because of this repealed series. But there is the situation with Notre Dame and USC – a rivalry that has been in place for 99 years. However, word is that Lincoln Riley wasn’t very keen on continuing their contract, that expires in 2026. That’s because the Trojans want to see how the playoff structure pans out, amid discussions of automatic bid changes, and preference for the SEC and Big 10.

“[As] we get into this playoff structure and if it changes or not, we get into this new conference, we’re going to learn some about this as we go and what the right and best track is to winning a national championship,” Riley said while addressing the fate of the Notre Dame rivalry. USC plays 9 conference games. And at an era where a double-digit record is necessary to win the National Title, the existing schedule formats become little difficult to manage. Lincoln Riley has only just begun to comeback up after finishing with disappointing scores in 2023 and 2024. The Trojans have already been upset by Illinois in the 2025 season, and they face No. 15 Michigan next. The road ahead is a little tough for Riley

Though Miami and South Carolina have parted ways, USC and Notre Dame haven’t. Riley has reportedly extended an “amended offer” to Notre Dame. But if the series is not extended, the 2025 clash will mark the last game of the iconic rivalry, until it resumes in the future. The new CFP era, and the still nascent foundations of playoff structure is pushing programs to look out for themselves. But unlike Miami-South Carolina, saying goodbye to Notre Dame-USC will be a painful for fans.