Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates with players at the end of the game against the Southern California Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Freeman, once in danger of failing, is starting to look more like former Notre Dame head coaches who made moves in their third year.

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava will be making his third straight start at quarterback for the Trojans against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday a