Notre Dame LT Anthonie Knapp (ankle) out vs. Ohio State

Field Level Media|published: Sun 12th January, 13:17 2025

Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli (18) knocks helmets with offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp (54) before a NCAA college football game against Florida State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in South Bend.

Notre Dame starting left tackle Anthonie Knapp has been ruled out for the College Football Playoff national championship game against Ohio State with a high ankle sprain, coach Marcus Freeman said on Sunday.

The seventh-seeded Fighting Irish and eighth-seeded Buckeyes will square off on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.

Knapp sustained the injury in Notre Dame's 27-24 win against Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.

"We have a week of preparation to make sure we have the right guys to start this game," Freeman said, "and we'll see what that is here in the next couple of days."

Freeman, however, said running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to be at full strength for the title game. Love, who rushed for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, played through a sore knee in the Orange Bowl.

Wide receiver Beaux Collins, who is nursing a calf strain, is on pace toward playing against the Buckeyes.

--Field Level Media