
On ESPN's First Take, Marcus Freeman says this group benefitted the most from ND's CFP run
Marcus Freeman's squad is well-positioned to make another run at the CFP, and ND's national brand has been even more elevated because of last year's success.
Freeman and six Fighting Irish players are in New York City this week for the program's version of media day, and he appeared on ESPN's First Take on Thursday. Freeman was asked which position group benefitted the most following last season's run to the national title game, and he mentioned offensive line coach Joe Rudolph's unit.
"I think as you look at our offensive line, we probably ended up starting nine to 10 guys throughout the year," Freeman said. "Just through injuries, through different situations. As we go to 2025, you've got a group that all have game experience—starting big-game experience."
Entering the new season, ND has several offensive linemen who have started games, including redshirt junior Ashton Craig, redshirt sophomore Charles Jagusah, sophomore Anthonie Knapp, redshirt junior Billy Schrauth and redshirt junior Aamil Wagner.
While Jagusah is expected to miss the start of the season, Freeman knows he can rely on his depth until Jagusah is 100 percent healthy again.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why Manny Pacquiao came out of retirement to return to boxing after 4 years away
Manny Pacquiao is a legend. He didn't need to come out of retirement to prove that. The eight-division champion and hero of the Philippines has already done plenty. But Pacquiao is back. He's taking on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday in Las Vegas. Here's why: Why did Manny Pacquiao come out of retirement? Manny Pacquaio offered a simple explanation for his return to ESPN's Andreas Hale: "I'm coming back because boxing is my passion. It's all I think about, and I really like to make history." Pacquiao is trying to break his own record. In 2019, he won the world welterweight title when he beat Keith Thurman. Pacquiao was 40 then, the oldest to ever accomplish that feat. Now at 46 years old, Pacquiao would shatter his own mark and likely leave it out of reach for anyone else. Is this it? "It's hard to say what tomorrow holds," Pacquiao told ESPN. "I always leave it to God, and he gave me the chance to fight again. But if my body feels strong after this fight..." MORE: Ranking Manny Pacquiao's best fights


USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Lakers plan on waiving Shake Milton in order to sign Marcus Smart
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to sign veteran guard Marcus Smart after he agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Washington Wizards. Smart, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season, will reportedly sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers once he officially clears waivers. Right now, they don't have enough space under the first apron of the NBA's salary cap to sign Smart. But according to Shams Charania of ESPN, they're planning on waiving guard Shake Milton in order to clear some space. "The Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton to create the roster spot to sign Smart, sources told ESPN," Charania wrote. "Milton's $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed Sunday." Milton was thrown into the deal that brought Los Angeles forward Dorian Finney-Smith in late December. He played sporadically afterward and averaged 3.9 points on 43.3% field-goal shooting, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 11.5 minutes a game as a member of the team. Waiving him would open up a good portion of L.A.'s bi-annual exception. In order to open up the full bi-annual exception of $5.1 million, another move, such as waiving guard Jordan Goodwin or a consolidation trade, would need to be made.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Damian Lillard's Portland Return Leaves Heat in the Dust
Damian Lillard's Portland Return Leaves Heat in the Dust originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In a stunning turn of events, NBA superstar Damian Lillard is set to reclaim his throne in Portland, leaving Miami Heat fans reeling and the basketball world buzzing. The news, shared via an X post by SportsCenter, features an electrifying ESPN graphic of Lillard in his iconic Trail Blazers jersey, confirming the long-speculated return. Surrounded by roses and a vintage clock symbolizing his enduring legacy, the image captures the emotional homecoming of a player who spent 11 transformative seasons with the franchise. Lillard's journey took him to Milwaukee after a blockbuster trade in 2023, where he sought a championship. However, a recent Achilles injury and the Bucks' decision to waive him have paved the way for this sentimental reunion. The move snubs Miami, where Lillard was once rumored to land, as Portland's passionate fanbase and his deep-rooted connection to the city trumped any Heat overtures. The graphic, rich with Lillard's career highlights and the Blazers' storied past, underscores a narrative of loyalty over glory. Social media reactions are ablaze, with fans hailing it as a 'rom-com' comeback and others debating his championship prospects. At 35, post-surgery, Lillard may not be the MVP contender he once was, but his return signals a focus on legacy and love for Portland. The Bucks will still pay his $113 million contract, allowing the Blazers a low-risk opportunity to integrate him with a young roster. As the clock ticks toward the 2025-26 season, Lillard's Portland revival promises nostalgia and potential. For now, the Heat's dreams of 'Dame Time' fade, while the Rose City prepares to welcome its prodigal son with open arms. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.