Notre Dame’s narrow loss in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship came without left tackle Anthonie Knapp and right guard Rocco Spindler, both sidelined after injuries in the semifinal win over Penn State. While losing two offensive line starters was a major blow, analysts believe the team’s ability to compete at the highest level despite those setbacks signals serious title potential for 2025-26.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Notre Dame consistently overcame injuries, especially on defense and the offensive line. Underclassmen and backups stepped up in critical roles, reflecting a depth that could define next season.
Notre Dame’s Offensive Line Strength Becoming Hard to Deny After High-Profile Exits
Notre Dame’s push to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship didn’t just showcase a talented roster—it revealed its offensive line’s immense depth and power, even amid adversity.
According to On3 insiders Andy and Ari, Notre Dame’s offensive line talent is undeniable.
“Two guys who started on the offensive line in the national championship game left because they weren’t going to have starting jobs next year,” one of them noted. “That is incredible. That’s how good Notre Dame’s offensive line would be.”
The departures speak less to a weakness and more to the depth chart’s strength. Players like Charles Jagusah, who missed most of the regular season but stepped into a starting role for the national title game, are now poised to lead what experts view as a potentially dominant unit.
Jagusah and Knapp, both underclassmen, combined for over 1,200 snaps during the 2024-25 campaign, providing stability as injuries reshaped the lineup. The Irish offense still thrived, averaging 35.2 points and 418.6 yards per game.
Quarterback Riley Leonard threw for 3,412 yards and 28 touchdowns behind protection that rarely faltered, even with constant personnel changes. Notre Dame’s “next man up” approach became more than a mantra—it was the foundation of their success.
The Irish defense was just as consistent, ranking among the nation’s top 10 by allowing only 17.3 points per game and forcing 24 turnovers. Injuries impacted both sides of the ball, but the team’s depth allowed it to maintain a high level of play.
Twelve players started games throughout the season due to injuries, reinforcing that this was one of college football’s most resilient and prepared rosters.
Andy underscored the importance of the offensive line’s reliability, saying, “A good offensive line is the most recession-proof thing in football… it doesn’t matter if it’s the NFL, college, or high school. If you have a good offensive line, you’re probably going to be good.”
KEEP READING: Marcus Freeman Confirms Notre Dame Is Not Pursuing a Transfer QB
With the Irish boasting such a unit, their championship window isn’t closing—it’s only opening wider.
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