Notre Dame Receives Devastating Blow Ahead Of College Football Season

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won't be at full strength when they take the field against the Texas A&M Aggies on Aug. 31.

Left tackle Charles Jagusah will miss the 2024 college football season after suffering a shoulder injury, tearing his right pectoralis muscle, in fall camp. Jagusah was considered Notre Dame's top tackle following the departure of Joe Alt and Blake Fisher to the NFL.

The sophomore started in the Sun Bowl and helped the Irish to a dominant 40-8 win over Oregon State. Jagusah (6-foot-7, 330 pounds) was rated as the No. 8 tackle in the country coming out of Alleman High School in Rock Island, Illinois, per 247Sports.

Additionally, defensive back and special teams contributor, Marty Auer, suffered a torn left ACL and will also miss the upcoming season. Both Auer and Jagusah will undergo surgery, according to a school release .

Jagusah will likely be replaced by either senior Tosh Baker or junior Aamil Wagner. The pair had been competing against each other for the right tackle spot before Jagusah's injury.

There are also three freshman options that head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph could turn to if needed in Anthonie Knapp, Styles Prescod and Guerby Lambert.

While Jagusah's absence will leave its mark on Notre Dame early on this season, there is plenty of time to gain some cohesiveness along the offensive front as year progresses. The Irish are expected to make a run at the College Football Playoff, earning the No. 6 ranking in the recently released USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll .

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