Charles Jagusah's Versatility, Talent Gives Notre Dame Unique Offensive Line Options

Notre Dame built a reputation for elite offensive line play over the last 15 years, but in three of the last four seasons the line has not played up to the standard that was established during the Harry Hiestand era. The Irish will look to get things back on track in 2025.

Consistency has been an issue for Notre Dame in the first two seasons under Joe Rudolph. The lack of consistency refers to the week to week play as well as the inability to put a consistent lineup on the field. Heading into the 2025 season the Irish look to have their best line of Rudolph's era thanks to the return of five talented players with starting experience.

If the 2025 line is going to play to its full potential a key reason will be Charles Jagusah. Although he's the most inexperienced returning starter along the line, Jagusah is also the most talented. The 6-7, 320-pound junior played in just two games last season - the semi-final game against Penn State and the title game against Ohio State - but he showed off his elite potential in those games. 

If he can stay healthy, Jagusah will have a chance to be the next elite Irish offensive lineman. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman raves about Jagusah.

“I’m evaluating off of practice, but also three games .... But I’m also evaluating based off things I hear from Joe Rudolph and [offensive coordinator] Mike Denbrock," Freeman said during a recent interview. "When I hear Mike Denbrock compare him to the guy at LSU — the guy [Will Campbell] who got drafted to the Patriots, that’s high praise now. But that’s what went into the decision for him to play guard. It’s what’s best for the five.’"

Jagusah's only two starts came at left tackle, and a strong case could be made that he's the teams best left tackle for 2025. But Jagusah played right guard against Penn State, and he showed big time potential in that game as well. Jagusah showed elite tools in that performance.

Part of what makes him such a unique player is that he shows the potential to be an impact player on the outside and inside. That versatility gives Notre Dame the opportunity to move him around in order to get the best lineup on the field.

"What’s the best five? It’s not make a decision off the best one," Freeman said when asked what led to Jagusah moving to guard. "On the offensive line, it’s what makes the best five. The decision for Charles Jagusah to play guard might not mean it’s Charles Jagusah’s best position, or future position as much as it is what we need out of those five guys. I think Charles Jagusah could be a center, guard or tackle. I mean, he’s a freak. He’s really freaking good."

If Jagusah stays at guard it gives Notre Dame a chance to have its best interior lineup since 2020. Jagusah will be joined inside by senior center Ashton Craig and senior guard Billy Schrauth. Jagusah moving inside also likely means sophomore Anthonie Knapp returns at left tackle, where he started 15 games last season.

Notre Dame is banking on Knapp making a big jump in pass protection in his second season as a starter. Knapp making that necessary jump will solidify the left tackle position, which was good for the Irish in the run game last season but was a major liability in the pass game. An improved Knapp at left tackle and a healthy Jagusah at right guard gives Notre Dame a chance to have its best run blocking line since at least 2020. That only works, however, because of Jagusah's ability to be a dominant player at multiple positions.