Notre Dame's Charles Jagusah Suffers Injury in UTV Accident, Undergoes Arm Surgery

With Notre Dame set to open its 2025 football season next month, the status of key offensive lineman Charles Jagusah is up in the air.

Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone reported Sunday that Jagusah suffered a fractured left humerus in a utility terrain vehicle accident on Saturday in Wyoming. He underwent surgery for the injury and is recovering.

"The initial prognosis is favorable, and he will return to campus early this week for further evaluation and continued care," Notre Dame said in a statement while not providing a timeline for his return to the field.

Unfortunately for Jagusah, his health was also a concern before the 2024 season.

As ESPN's Adam Rittenberg noted, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in training camp in 2024 and missed the entire regular season before returning for the College Football Playoff. He first filled in at right guard during the CFP and then started at left tackle during the national title game against Ohio State.

The Fighting Irish lost that game 34-23.

They surely have national title aspirations again this season after coming so close during the 2024 campaign, and Jagusah is expected to be a major part of that push. He, left tackle Anthonie Knapp and center Ashton Craig are three important returning pieces in a strong offensive line unit.

However, Jagusah, who arrived at Notre Dame as a 4-star prospect and the No. 7 offensive tackle in the 2023 recruiting class according to 247Sports' composite rankings, is now recovering from surgery with a daunting start of the season looming.

The Fighting Irish face Miami in the opener on Aug. 31 and also play against Texas A&M, Arkansas, Boise State and USC in their first seven games. Their ability to navigate that stretch will go a long way toward determining whether they make the 12-team CFP.

And having Jagusah available would go a long way toward successfully navigating that stretch.