In a big blow to the Notre Dame offense, left tackle Charles Jagusah has been lost for the 2024 season. The sophomore tore his right pectoralis muscle in practice on Saturday and will undergo surgery.
A blue-chip, five-star prospect, Jagusah was slated to be the team’s starting left tackle. He spent most of last season on the scout team. But Jagusah moved into the starting lineup when All-American Joe Alt departed for the NFL Draft. He started in place of Alt in the Sun Bowl victory over Oregon State. Jagusah played 61 snaps in the bowl game, helping the Irish engineer a 40-8 victory over the Beavers.
Notre Dame already faced a daunting task on the offensive line entering fall camp. The departures of Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL left massive holes to fill. Alt was selected fifth overall by the Los Angeles Chargers and Fisher was taken in the second round by the Houston Texans.
With Charles Jagusah Out, What’s Next for the O-Line?
Jagusah’s injury likely paves the way for fifth-year senior Tosh Baker to move into a starting position on the offensive line. Baker, a 6-8, 320-pound tackle, played in 118 snaps last year. All told, he has been on the field for 327 snaps. He has allowed eight quarterback pressures and three sacks, all of which came in the 2021 season.
Aamil Wagner could slide over to left tackle with Baker taking over at right tackle. Wagner has been taking first-team reps in camp following a strong spring and summer. He played in seven games a season ago as a reserve right tackle. In addition to Wagner and Baker, the Irish have some experienced players to turn to, including 13-game starter Pat Coogan. Ashton Craig closed last season at center and is a projected starter at that position for this season. Billy Schrauth has flashed during the offseason and is a likely starter in one of the guard slots. The Irish also have a pair of true freshmen in Anthonie Knapp and Guerby Lambert who are sure to battle for reps and playing time.
Uphill Battle Upfront
With the season opener against Texas A&M looming just weeks away, Notre Dame’s offensive line remains a work in progress. The loss of Charles Jagusah is a significant setback for a unit that was already facing challenges in rebuilding after losing Alt and Fisher to the NFL.
