The Notre Dame football team will need to retool its offensive line in 2026, and that was true before it lost team captain Aamil Wagner to the NFL Draft. Wagner announced he's going pro, despite having one more year of eligibility.
The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder played in 35 career games for the Irish and started the last 28 games. The lineman was named a captain before this year after helping lead the Irish to the National Title game in his sophomore season.
This fall, Wagner anchored the tackle position while leading Notre Dame's offense to a No. 5 finish in scoring offense, No. 10 in passing yards, No. 18 in total offense, and No. 18 in rushing offense.
Notre Dame football offensive line enters new phase after Aamil Wagner’s NFL move
Off the field, Wagner has completed his undergraduate degree in strategic management at Notre Dame. He is now pursuing a master's degree in nonprofit administration while leading initiatives to improve the lives of athletes off the field, from youth athletics to collegiate student-athletes.
He was also a finalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, and a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Trophy.
"Aamil Wagner, who's one of the most impressive people I've met in my life, who, hopefully, after he is done playing football, I hope he runs for president one day," Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua said on "The Dan Patrick Show" last week.
Wagner's playing days are far from over, but he is done playing for Notre Dame. He has a bright future at the next level and joins Joe Alt as an offensive lineman from the Irish who could be early round selections.