There’s a clear No. 1 in ranking the best offensive lines in college football according to ESPN analyst and host of the “Always College Football” podcast, Greg McElroy. You might have already guessed that the analyst believes the best offensive line in the sport this season belongs to the Notre Dame football. McElroy said as much on his show this week, echoing what others have said about a unit that's as strong as its been in years even with several transfer portal departures this offseason.
“I am that bullish on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish,” McElroy said. “I just think they’re that good.”
Among the reasons that McElroy believes the Notre Dame football team has the best line in the country is young talent like Anthonie Knapp.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy names Notre Dame offensive line the nation’s No. 1 unit
Between running onto the field in College Station in Week 1 and holding a starting spot from then all the way through the national semifinal, Knapp was as solid as first-year players get — especially at a position as demanding as left tackle.
McElroy and others believe Knapp should continue to improve. The feeling amongst team members, players and coaches alike, is that Knapp is only just getting started as a mainstay for the Notre Dame offensive line.
“I just think across the board, their starting five, this group has elevated beyond everybody else in college football,” McElroy said on his podcast. “And, frankly, I just don’t think the competition at one is that close with whoever would be sitting there at the second spot, third spot or what have you.”
With Charles Jagusah, Aamil Wagner, Billy Schrauth, Ashton Craig and then of course Knapp, the Irish have an impressive front. What's even more impressive is that the Notre Dame football team has plenty of guys that could step up and fill in the spot if they have injury problems like they did a year ago.