Notre Dame Opens Fall Camp With Five Players Out as Marcus Freeman Provides Injury Update

The start of fall camp has arrived for Notre Dame, bringing with it the excitement, competition and expectations that come with the beginning of a new college football season. But as the Fighting Irish officially begin preparations, head coach Marcus Freeman has also provided an early look at the team’s health situation, confirming that five players will not be available to begin camp.

The availability report gives Notre Dame an important starting point as coaches begin evaluating the roster and determining how different position groups will come together. Among the most notable names on the list is offensive lineman Charles Jagusah, whose continued absence has been one of the more significant health storylines surrounding the program.

The five players listed as out to begin camp are Charles Jagusah, Chris Burgess, Tiki Hola, Peter Jones and Ko’o Kia. The reasons vary, with the group dealing with different injuries and recovery situations.

For Freeman and his coaching staff, the immediate objective is not simply getting every player onto the practice field. It is making sure the athletes who are available are prepared to compete while giving injured players the time and medical attention they need to recover properly.

That approach is especially important at the beginning of August, when teams have several weeks to prepare before meaningful games begin.

Jagusah Remains the Biggest Concern

Jagusah’s continued absence is particularly noteworthy because of his importance to the offensive line.

The talented lineman has been dealing with a complicated arm injury that has required an extended recovery. Freeman previously explained that Jagusah continues to rehab and work on regaining strength, while acknowledging that nerve-related issues can make the recovery process difficult to predict. Freeman has expressed optimism that Jagusah will eventually play for Notre Dame, but he has also made clear that there is no definite timetable for his return.

That uncertainty means Notre Dame must prepare as though Jagusah will not be available in the early portion of the season.

It is not an ideal situation for a player who was expected to be an important part of the offensive line, but the Fighting Irish have spent the offseason developing alternative options. The coaching staff will now have an opportunity to evaluate those players extensively during camp.

Notre Dame’s offensive line has traditionally been one of the strongest parts of the program. The school has produced several outstanding professional offensive linemen over the years, and maintaining that standard remains a major priority for Freeman and his staff.

With Jagusah unavailable, competition at the position becomes even more important.

Five Absences Create Opportunities

While injuries are never welcome, the absence of five players also creates opportunities for other members of the roster.

Fall camp is where younger players can make their case for playing time. A backup who might have received only a limited number of repetitions under normal circumstances can suddenly find himself working with the first or second team.

That increased exposure can accelerate development.

For Notre Dame, this could be particularly valuable along the offensive line, where communication and chemistry are critical. Players need extensive practice together to develop the timing required for successful blocking combinations.

The same principle applies to the defensive side of the ball.

Tiki Hola’s absence means other defenders will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to contribute. Meanwhile, Peter Jones and Ko’o Kia will also be monitored as they work through their respective recovery processes.

Chris Burgess is another player whose absence will require Notre Dame to manage its depth carefully.

The coaching staff will likely use the first part of camp to determine which players are ready to take on expanded responsibilities and which young athletes can emerge as reliable contributors.

Freeman’s Approach to Injuries

Freeman has consistently taken a measured approach when discussing injuries.

Rather than placing unnecessary pressure on players to return quickly, the Notre Dame coach has emphasized allowing medical professionals and the recovery process to determine when athletes are ready.

That philosophy is particularly relevant in Jagusah’s case.

Freeman has previously said he believes Jagusah will eventually return to the field, while acknowledging that the timing depends on how the player’s arm responds to continued rehabilitation.

For the coaching staff, the priority is to avoid turning one injury into a longer-term problem by rushing a player back before he is ready.

That mindset can be difficult for fans because supporters naturally want to see their best players on the field. But Notre Dame has championship aspirations, and the season is much longer than the opening days of camp.

There is little value in taking unnecessary risks in August.

A High-Expectation Season

Notre Dame enters the 2026 season with significant expectations.

The Fighting Irish are widely viewed as one of the nation’s top programs, and there is considerable optimism surrounding the roster. The team is expected to contend nationally, which means every position will receive intense attention throughout camp.

Quarterback CJ Carr is entering the season as one of the key figures on the offense, while Notre Dame also has significant talent across the defense and skill positions.

The biggest challenge now is putting all of those pieces together.

Fall camp is about far more than identifying starters. Coaches must establish rotations, develop depth, build chemistry and determine which players can handle pressure when the regular season begins.

The five players currently listed as out will be part of those conversations, even if they cannot participate immediately.

Offensive Line Under the Microscope

The offensive line could become one of the most closely watched position groups during camp.

Notre Dame has lost important players to the NFL and must establish a new combination capable of protecting Carr and creating running lanes. Jagusah’s absence adds another layer of uncertainty.

The good news is that Notre Dame has invested heavily in offensive line recruiting and development.

Several players will now have the opportunity to prove they are ready for expanded roles. Competition should help the coaching staff identify the strongest combination before the season begins.

The early days of camp will therefore be crucial.

Every practice rep matters, particularly for players competing for starting positions.

Injuries Are Part of the Challenge

Injuries are an unavoidable part of college football, and almost every team begins fall camp with players dealing with various physical setbacks.

The key is how a program responds.

For Notre Dame, the answer appears to be depth, patience and preparation.

Freeman and his staff have spent the offseason building a roster capable of handling adversity. The five current absences will test that depth, but they do not automatically change Notre Dame’s expectations for the season.

In fact, the situation could provide valuable experience to players who may eventually be needed later in the year.

A championship-caliber team cannot depend on having every starter available for every game. Injuries are inevitable over a long season, making reliable backups essential.

The Road Ahead

As fall camp continues, the status of the five unavailable players will remain something to monitor. The most significant question will be whether any of them can return sooner than expected or whether their recovery timelines extend into the regular season.

Jagusah’s situation will attract the most attention because of his importance to the offensive line and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.

For now, however, Freeman and Notre Dame must focus on the players who are healthy and ready to practice.

The opening of fall camp represents a fresh beginning. The offseason is over, position battles are underway, and players now have the opportunity to establish themselves before Notre Dame begins its regular-season schedule.

The five absences are certainly something the Fighting Irish would prefer not to have, but they do not define the team.

Notre Dame has spent months preparing for the challenges ahead, and Freeman’s job now is to make sure the available players are ready while the injured members of the roster receive the proper time to recover.

The message from the coaching staff is clear: health comes first, depth matters, and there is still plenty of time for the roster to take shape.

With camp officially underway, Notre Dame’s championship ambitions move from offseason discussion to daily competition. The next several weeks will reveal which players emerge, which position battles become the most intense and, perhaps most importantly, how the Fighting Irish respond to the early adversity created by injuries.