Aamil Wagner’s steady rise at Notre Dame has culminated in a decision that was expected but no less impactful. The 6-foot-7 right tackle has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving behind a void on one of college football’s most dominant offensive lines. Wagner’s combination of size, length, and developing technique made him a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s championship-winning unit, and his departure will be felt immediately.
A former four-star recruit out of Wayne High School in Ohio, Wagner redshirted his first season in 2022 and saw limited action in 2023 before stepping into a full-time role in 2024. That year, he started every game at right tackle during Notre Dame’s national championship run, anchoring an offensive line that balanced power, agility, and consistency. His length and ability to control defenders both in the run and pass game made him one of the most reliable pieces of the Irish offense, and Notre Dame will now face the challenge of replacing a player who combined elite physical traits with growing technical polish.
The type of offensive lineman NFL teams dream about
Physically, Wagner embodies the NFL tackle mold. Broad-shouldered, long-limbed, and well-proportioned at 6-foot-7, he has the lower-body strength and frame teams covet at the next level. His hips can sit high at times, but his overall structure and presence immediately project as NFL-ready.
What sets Wagner apart is how he uses his size. He times his punches well, maintains consistent extension, and shows deliberate control at the point of contact. In the run game, he fits quickly with his hands and leverages his upper body to control defenders. Even without elite athleticism, Wagner’s awareness and technique make him a disruptive presence in pass protection, where his wingspan alone creates a significant obstacle for defenders.
Strengths and areas for growth for the former Notre Dame lineman
As a pass protector, Wagner is a long-strided setter who can look dominant in bursts but occasionally struggles to recover when beaten early. While his length allows him to handle high-level rushers at times, there are inconsistent reps that will require refinement. At the next level, Wagner will need to develop a more complete identity in pass protection rather than relying primarily on frame and size.
In the run game, he remains a developing player. His high-cut frame can make it difficult to generate consistent leverage, and he has not yet consistently shown the physicality to move defenders off the line. Variability in posture and footwork limits his overall effectiveness, though the flashes of potential are clear. With added strength and technique work, Wagner’s run-blocking ability could match his physical tools.
From Notre Dame to Pittsburgh?
Wagner is a developmental tackle with high upside. With continued growth, experience, and technical refinement, he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL starter. My projection is that he will be selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Pittsburgh Steelers standing out as an ideal landing spot. Pittsburgh has a strong history of developing offensive linemen and currently has a clear need to strengthen its line. Adding a long, versatile tackle like Wagner would give the Steelers both immediate depth and a potential cornerstone for the future, making him a natural fit for their roster plans.
For Notre Dame, losing Wagner is a significant blow. His combination of length, size, and growing technical ability anchored a championship-caliber offensive line, and replacing a player of his caliber will be a top priority. For Wagner, the NFL represents the next chapter of a promising career. He enters the draft as a player with elite physical tools and high upside, tempered by developmental needs. For a team like the Steelers, who have both the need and the coaching resources to develop young linemen, Wagner represents a compelling mix of immediate potential and long-term reward.