Top options that Notre Dame should consider with the devastating injury news to starting OL Charles Jagusah… Read more.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been hit with a major setback ahead of the upcoming season, as standout offensive lineman Charles Jagusah has suffered a devastating injury that could sideline him for a significant portion of the year. As one of the team’s most promising young starters, Jagusah’s absence leaves a glaring hole in the trenches—and now, all eyes are on how the Irish will respond.
With fall camp looming and expectations high, head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff must move quickly to evaluate their options. Here are the top potential solutions Notre Dame should consider:
1. Next Man Up: Tosh Baker or Aamil Wagner
Both veterans have seen time in Notre Dame’s rotation and could slide into a starting role. Baker brings size and experience, while Wagner offers quick feet and upside. This would be the most seamless transition if the staff trusts the in-house talent.
2. Shuffle the Line
Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph could opt to shift pieces around — possibly moving Joe Alt or another experienced lineman to cover Jagusah’s spot, creating a domino effect across the unit. It’s a risky strategy but could keep the five best players on the field.
3. Tap into the Transfer Portal
Though late in the cycle, the transfer portal still holds experienced linemen looking for a final opportunity. If Notre Dame wants to plug the gap with proven talent, this could be a quick fix — though chemistry and learning the playbook quickly would be concerns.
4. Give a Freshman a Shot
The Irish have recruited well up front. If any of the incoming freshmen, like Peter Jones or Gerby Lambert have a strong camp, the staff may decide to accelerate their development and let them grow through reps.
