Notre Dame lineman Billy Schrauth earned No. 7 offensive guard honors from Lindy’s Sports, highlighting his standout performance.
The University of Notre Dame football program has long been synonymous with excellence, tradition, and a commitment to developing top-tier talent. In 2025, one player who has emerged as a key figure in the Fighting Irish lineup is offensive guard Billy Schrauth. Recently, Schrauth was named the No. 7 offensive guard in college football by Lindy’s Sports, a prestigious honor that underscores his growing reputation as one of the nation’s premier interior linemen.
This accolade not only highlights Schrauth’s individual talent but also signals Notre Dame’s strength and depth on the offensive line, a critical component for any successful football team. In this article, we take a deep dive into Billy Schrauth’s journey, his standout qualities, and what this recognition means for both him and the Fighting Irish.
Early Years and Football Beginnings
Billy Schrauth’s story begins long before he donned the blue and gold of Notre Dame. Growing up in a football-loving family in Ohio, Schrauth was introduced to the sport at an early age. His size, strength, and athleticism quickly set him apart from his peers, but it was his relentless work ethic and commitment to improvement that truly made him special.
During his high school career at St. Xavier High School, a powerhouse football program in Cincinnati, Schrauth distinguished himself as a dominant offensive lineman. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and protect his quarterback earned him numerous accolades and caught the attention of college scouts nationwide.
Recruitment and Arrival at Notre Dame
Despite offers from several major programs, Schrauth chose Notre Dame, drawn by the university’s storied football tradition and academic prestige. From the moment he arrived on campus, Schrauth embraced the challenge of competing at the highest collegiate level.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff quickly identified Schrauth as a player with the potential to anchor the offensive line for years to come. His combination of size, technique, and football IQ made him an ideal fit for the Fighting Irish’s offensive schemes, which require linemen to be versatile and smart in both run blocking and pass protection.
Breakout Performance and Development
In his first two seasons, Schrauth showed steady improvement, earning playing time and gradually solidifying his role on the offensive line. His work ethic in the weight room and film study became well-known among teammates and coaches.
The 2024 season was a breakout year for Schrauth. He started every game at right guard, showcasing a powerful combination of quick feet and upper-body strength. His ability to handle speed rushers on the edge and create running lanes for Notre Dame’s backs became a cornerstone of the offense’s success.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Schrauth’s growth, saying, “Billy is the kind of player every coach dreams of. He’s smart, tough, and consistently gets better. His presence on the line gives our quarterback confidence and opens up opportunities for our running game.”
Lindy’s Sports Recognition: No. 7 Offensive Guard in the Nation
The recent announcement by Lindy’s Sports naming Schrauth the No. 7 offensive guard nationally is a testament to his elite status among college football’s interior linemen. Lindy’s, known for its comprehensive and insightful rankings, evaluates players based on technique, consistency, impact on the game, and potential at the next level.
Being placed seventh nationally places Schrauth in an elite tier that includes several projected NFL draft prospects. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of Notre Dame’s ability to develop high-caliber offensive linemen capable of competing at the professional level.
What Sets Billy Schrauth Apart?
1. Technical Mastery
Schrauth’s technique is one of his defining traits. His hand placement, footwork, and balance allow him to maintain leverage against defenders, preventing penetration and collapsing the pocket. Coaches often highlight his ability to adjust on the fly, a skill critical in fast-paced games against complex defensive schemes.
2. Physicality and Strength
At around 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Schrauth combines size with explosiveness. He uses his power to drive defenders off the line and create space for running backs. His strength also helps in pass protection, where he can absorb and redirect bull rushes with ease.
3. Football Intelligence
Understanding defensive fronts and blitz packages is crucial for offensive linemen. Schrauth’s film study habits and football IQ allow him to anticipate moves and communicate effectively with his teammates, ensuring cohesive line play.
4. Leadership and Work Ethic
Though relatively young in his collegiate career, Schrauth has demonstrated leadership qualities, both on and off the field. His dedication to training and improvement sets a standard for younger players. Teammates often cite his relentless pursuit of perfection as inspirational.
Impact on Notre Dame’s Offense
Notre Dame’s offense relies heavily on a strong, disciplined offensive line to execute its balanced attack. Schrauth’s emergence as a dominant guard has been pivotal to the team’s success.
Run Game
With Schrauth opening holes and sustaining blocks, Notre Dame’s running backs have found more consistent rushing yards, giving the offense a potent ground attack. His ability to reach the second level and block linebackers has made a significant difference in sustaining long drives.
Pass Protection
A reliable guard like Schrauth stabilizes the pocket, giving quarterbacks more time to read defenses and make accurate throws. This stability is essential for Notre Dame’s offense, especially as they incorporate more complex passing schemes under new coaching philosophies.
Team Morale and Confidence
A strong offensive line often sets the tone for a team’s confidence. Schrauth’s consistency and toughness have helped boost team morale, with the offense trusting their line to hold firm against elite defensive fronts.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Billy Schrauth and Notre Dame
Schrauth’s recognition by Lindy’s Sports is likely just the beginning of his ascent. With another year or two of eligibility remaining, he has the potential to elevate his game even further and position himself as a top NFL prospect.
NFL Potential
Scouts are already taking note of Schrauth’s combination of size, technique, and football intelligence. His ability to play multiple guard positions and possibly center adds to his draft stock. If he continues on his current trajectory, Schrauth could be a high-round pick in the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft.
Leadership Role
As Schrauth matures, he is expected to take on more leadership responsibilities within the Notre Dame team. His work ethic and example will be crucial in developing younger linemen and maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Contribution to Notre Dame’s Legacy
Notre Dame prides itself on producing not only great football players but also leaders and role models. Schrauth embodies these values, making him a perfect representative of the program’s ideals.
Billy Schrauth’s journey from a promising high school recruit to one of the nation’s top offensive guards is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. His recent No. 7 ranking by Lindy’s Sports validates his status as an elite player and highlights the strength of Notre Dame’s football program.
As Schrauth continues to develop and lead, both Notre Dame fans and college football enthusiasts nationwide should keep a close eye on this rising star. His combination of skill, intelligence, and character positions him to be not just a cornerstone for the Fighting Irish but a future professional standout.
In an era where offensive line play often determines the success of an entire offense, having a player like Billy Schrauth is invaluable. His journey is a compelling story of growth, dedication, and excellence—a story that Notre Dame and college football will continue to celebrate.
