Two Days to Go: Notre Dame Injury Updates Ahead of National Championship Game
As the highly anticipated National Championship matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State approaches, head coach Marcus Freeman provided injury updates during Media Day. While Freeman avoided committing to specific solutions for replacing injured left tackle Anthonie Knapp, he strongly hinted that sophomore Charles Jagusah is poised to step into the starting role.
Jagusah to Start at Left Tackle?
Though Marcus Freeman stopped short of officially naming Charles Jagusah as the starting left tackle, his comments suggested that the sophomore is the frontrunner. “We’ve been working Charles Jagusah at left tackle, but also playing him at guard,” Freeman explained. “We have an idea of what we’re going to do starting on Monday, but we’re comfortable waiting until then to finalize our decision.”
Despite Freeman’s caution, ESPN’s Pete Thamel has reported that Notre Dame has indeed decided to start Jagusah at left tackle.
“Notre Dame will start sophomore Charles Jagusah at left tackle in the National Championship.”
Starting a player with just one career start—and none this season—in a game of this magnitude is far from ideal. However, Jagusah’s situation is unique. Regarded as the heir apparent to Joe Alt, he likely would have been a starter this season if not for an earlier injury.
While the absence of Anthonie Knapp, who started 15 games this season, is a blow, Notre Dame is fortunate to have a high-potential player like Jagusah ready to step up. The task ahead is monumental, and there are no guarantees of success, but the Irish could be in a much worse position.
A Look Back for Perspective
Notre Dame fans may recall a similar scenario in 2021 when Blake Fisher suffered an early-season injury but returned to start in the Fiesta Bowl. Fisher played 91 snaps in that game and finished as the Irish’s second-highest-rated player. That experience offers a reminder that unexpected contributors can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
As the countdown to Monday continues, all eyes will be on Notre Dame’s offensive line and how Jagusah performs under the brightest lights of his young career.
Beaux Collins Expected to Return at Wide Receiver
Notre Dame’s wide receiver corps has been a committee effort this season, especially during the playoffs. One key contributor, Beaux Collins, who missed the Orange Bowl due to a calf strain, is on track to return for the National Championship. Head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed that Collins has been practicing and making steady progress.
“He’s progressing exactly the way we thought,” Freeman said. “He practiced yesterday for the majority of practice, which was the first time he’s done that in recent days. As long as there are no setbacks, we expect him to be full go on Monday.”
Collins’ availability adds a valuable weapon to Notre Dame’s offense, bolstering their passing game against Ohio State’s formidable defense.
Spindler Trending Toward Full Strength at Guard
Starting right guard Rocco Spindler, who was forced out of the Orange Bowl after being injured in the first-round game against Indiana, is expected to play in the National Championship. Although he wasn’t listed on the injury report earlier in the week, Spindler’s recovery has been closely monitored.
Spindler told Blue and Gold Illustrated that he’s “100% ready” for the game, and the extra rest days appear to have helped him recover.
Rocco Spindler confirms he’s good to go for Monday’s championship game. Notre Dame’s offensive line looks to be back at full strength.”
The bigger concern might be whether Spindler can finish the game, given his recent injury issues. If he’s unable to continue, Notre Dame will face a significant decision: keep Charles Jagusah at left tackle and bring in Sam Pendleton at guard, or move Jagusah to guard and reintroduce Tosh Baker at left tackle.
Ideally, Spindler will stay on the field and perform at his usual high level, allowing the offensive line to maintain stability against Ohio State’s pass rush.
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