Notre Dame will be without its starting left tackle when it takes on Ohio State and its ferocious defensive end tandem of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said Sunday that blindside protector Anthonie Knapp is out against Ohio State with a high ankle sprain he suffered against Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Graduate Tosh Baker replaced Knapp in that contest and figures to start against the Buckeyes in the CFP national championship game.
Knapp, a true freshman, is a four-star prospect in the 247Sports composite ranked No. 332 overall and No. 26 at offensive tackle. He started each of Notre Dame's previous 15 games at left tackle. Baker figures to make his first career start to close a five-year career in South Bend and will have to do so against two edge rushers in Sawyer and Tuimoloau who have combined for 10 sacks in the CFP.
Left tackle isn't the only offensive line position where Notre Dame has injury concerns. Starting right guard Rocco Spindler, who also suffered an apparent ankle injury vs. the Nittany Lions, is still being evaluated by the Fighting Irish and their medical staff.
"We'll see how he progresses the week of practice," Freeman said of Spindler. "I know he'll give everything he has to make sure he's prepared. As far as the starting lineup, we'll do what's best for our program. We've got to figure that out. We have a week of preparation to make sure we get the right guys to start this game, and we'll see what that is here in the next couple of days."
Ohio State and Notre Dame kick off in the 2025 CFP national championship game on Jan. 20 at 7:30. ESPN will broadcast the contest.
