Notre Dame football has one position where the battle will impact more than others

When Notre Dame football kicks off camp tomorrow, there will be all kinds of storylines that Fighting Irish fans will want to follow. The offense is going to be front of mind for almost everyone, but there’s one aspect of the offense that should take more headlines than it has so far.

The offensive line was a problem last year. It also looked like it was a problem for parts of spring practice, especially the Blue Gold Game. It needs to not be a problem this season. Especially with a quarterback coming off an injury shortened season.

One of the big ways in which the Notre Dame football offensive line can make sure it’s not a problem is by making sure the right tackle situation gets figured out. There are several players looking to win that position. Who wins it is going to be huge.

Notre Dame football has one position where the battle will impact more than others

Tosh Baker is likely to get the first shot to win the job. Baker stepped into the starting lineup for the bowl game against Oregon State and he played solid football. He continued that into the spring, and the Arizona native ended the spring still as the No. 1 right tackle. 

The issue here is that Baker hasn't lived up to the Top 100 recruit status he arrived in South Bend with. While he’s still improving, he needs to hit a new level in 2024.

If Baker can’t step up, Amil Wagner is likely the next man up. There’s a problem there as well though. Wagner has needed to add good weight. 

Beyond just adding weight, Wagner needs to show he can hold up well enough at the point of attack. This is especially true in pass protection. Once again, the guy that takes over the right tackle spot is the guy who will be tasked with protecting Riley Leonard. 

That’s why this position battle could be the most important for the Notre Dame football team in 2024.