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Notre Dame's offensive line further depleted after UTV accident
Notre Dame offensive lineman Charles Jagusah. MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Notre Dame's offensive line further depleted after UTV accident

While the past few days have been a success for Notre Dame on the recruiting trail, the Irish offense experienced a setback.

Offensive lineman Charles Jagusah was involved in a utility terrain vehicle accident on July 5, leaving him with a fractured left humerus. While the initial diagnosis was “favorable,” according to Notre Dame’s football public relations team on X, Jagusah will return to campus this week to undergo more evaluations. The team has yet to announce an exact timetable for Jagusah’s return.

The incident marks the second year in a row in which Jagusah has suffered a major injury, as a torn pectoral muscle kept him sidelined throughout the 2024 regular season. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound sophomore played a big role during Notre Dame’s playoff run, subbing in at right guard against Georgia and Penn State before starting at left tackle in the national championship game against Ohio State.

It is another blow to an Irish offensive line that already lost veterans Sam Pendleton, Pat Coogan and Rocco Spindler to the transfer portal earlier this year. Despite that, the unit is still expected to rank among the league’s elite throughout the 2025 season.

The injury raises concern for running back Jeremiyah Love’s expected success this year as well. As a sophomore, Love tallied up 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, causing many fans to anticipate an even stronger 2025 campaign. However, a thinned offensive line may hinder those expectations.

It will not take long to see how much of an impact Jagusah’s absence will have as Notre Dame kicks off the season on Aug. 31 at Miami.

Pearson Gillam

I am a writer from Atlanta, Georgia, who attends Oklahoma State University. I am majoring in Sports Media and have experience covering the school's track and field team for the local newspaper. I have expertise in college football and college basketball, but I also enjoy the NFL, cross-country running, and track and field.

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