Notre Dame’s offensive line earns high praise from ESPN analyst Greg McElroy for its strength, cohesion, and elite performance
When it comes to evaluating college football units, few voices resonate like ESPN college football analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy. After an impressive stretch of games in 2024 and early 2025, McElroy has repeatedly spotlighted Notre Dame’s offensive line, praising its resilience, growth, and identity-building role in the team’s success. From a Week 1 upset at Texas A&M to the Navy rout and onward into the College Football Playoff push, the Irish offensive front has emerged as a quietly dominant force—and McElroy has taken notice.
Establishing the Baseline: Week 1 at Texas A&M
Notre Dame’s promising season began with a tough road test in College Station against Texas A&M—a game where analysts and fans alike anticipated offensive line struggles. After losing starters Joe Alt and Blake Fisher (both first‑round NFL draft picks) and veteran center Zeke Correll, Notre Dame had to rebuild their front virtually from scratch.
Yet, instead of collapsing under pressure, the offensive line stood tall. McElroy emphasized his surprise at their performance, noting that despite inexperience, the line “held up well”—a statement fueled by zero sacks allowed and an impressive 198 rushing yards . That foundation established immediate credibility for Notre Dame’s rebuilt front.
Building Confidence: Week 5 vs. Louisville
By late September, Notre Dame traveled to face No. 19 Louisville, a team featuring a strong defensive front. The Irish responded with a 31–24 win, and McElroy praised the offensive unit during his postgame analysis by Sports Illustrated. He was particularly impressed by QB Riley Leonard, but emphasized the offensive line’s role in giving Leonard time and enabling the run game to flourish (Line play was described as “rock solid,” earning nods not just from McElroy but from other national commentators as well.
Momentum Continues: Navy Blowout
Against Navy, Notre Dame delivered a dominant 51–14 performance. McElroy used the term “Notre Dame is a lot better than you realize”—a line that specifically included recognition of an improving—and increasingly reliable—offensive line. He highlighted how the unit, still quite young, was maturing in Mike Denbrock’s system and allowing the Irish to methodically control the game clock
Response to Adversity: Overcoming the NIU Setback
Every championship‑caliber team faces adversity, and Notre Dame had a notable stumble in a home loss to Northern Illinois. Critics seized upon this as evidence of weakness. But McElroy emphasized how Notre Dame responded—going undefeated thereafter—and credited the offense, including the offensive line, with “weathering the storm” . He noted a significant uptick in performance: greater consistency in the run game, better quarterback protection, and improved timing in the passing game
Playoff Contender Credentials: National Title Conversation
By November, talk turned to postseason aspirations. McElroy even went as far as to say, “Notre Dame could win it”, emphasizing that Leonard was growing into his role, the running game was established, and “the offensive line’s young, and they’ve improved steadily as they’ve gotten more and more comfortable with … Denbrock’s system. Line play was now part of the national playoff discussion, included among pillars like the defense and skill positions.
Why McElroy’s Praise Matters
- Credible Source
As a former SEC QB and respected analyst, McElroy’s assessments carry weight. He’s seen countless offensive fronts and knows what it takes to protect at an elite level. - Repeated Recognition
From Week 1 through the playoff push, McElroy consistently singled out the line—he doesn’t offer high praise lightly . - Foundation for Team Success
Football is won in the trenches. Notre Dame’s ability to rush, sustain drives, and protect their quarterback has been key to their success—and McElroy hit on this repeatedly.
Player Spotlight & Depth Chart Progression
Notre Dame’s offensive line in 2024–25 featured a blend of veteran and rookie talent:
- Freshman LT Anthonie Knapp stepped into tough starts, drew early praise, and anchored protection
- Veteran returners and midcareer starters strengthened interior cohesion.
Their collective growth—from spring drills to the pressure of playoff football—mirrors McElroy’s assessment of a unit rapidly gaining polish and confidence.
Offensive Philosophy & Line Play
Under OC Mike Denbrock, Notre Dame’s offense emphasizes balanced attack—a potent run game complemented by efficient passing. For this to work, the offensive line must:
- Hold up in pass sets,
- Open lanes for Riley Leonard, Jeremiyah Love, and Jadarian Price (both dual-threat backs praised by McElroy)
- Push the pile in short-yardage and clock-control situations.
McElroy highlighted how the line’s methodical play helped sustain long drives and control possession time, an underrated strategy that underscores playoff-level discipline
Comparison to Legacy: From Zack Martin to Joe Moore
Notre Dame has a storied history of offensive line excellence. Legends like Zack Martin—who protected future Heisman winners and allowed just 8 sacks in 2012—set a high bar .Future paths even include the prestigious Joe Moore Award, created in honor of legendary ND O‑line coach Joe Moore
The 2024–25 squad hasn’t earned that accolade—yet—but their trajectory mirrors the toughness, technique, and unity the program has historically produced.
Fan and Analyst Confirmation
Reddit fans on r/notredamefootball have widely cited “solid run blocking offensive line” as key for the team’s run-heavy style and efficient offense . On the Sunday game threads following the Georgia win in January 2025, fans emphasized how the front “bulldozed” one of the SEC’s top units, a testament to its development . Observers praised not just scheme execution, but resilience—just as McElroy has repeatedly noted.
What’s Next: Looking Toward Playoff and Beyond
As Notre Dame continued into January’s National Championship game, McElroy’s praise transformed from hopeful acknowledgment to earned recognition: “They play to their strengths”, a nod to the offensive line’s unlikely rise to elite status in a single season .
Going forward:
- Recruiting momentum: This success helps attract top-line recruits.
- Returning starters: With experience, the line could push into national-award territory.
- NFL prospects: Freshman and redshirt sophomores like Knapp and Schrauth will build on this foundation.
In the narrative of any football season, the offensive line rarely gets center stage—but they deserve it. In 2024–25, Notre Dame’s line emerged not just as adequate replacements for departed talent, but as a cohesive, dominant unit that defines the team’s identity.
Greg McElroy’s praise, echoed across media, fans, and playoff discourse, highlights the line’s quiet excellence. Their methodical drive-plots, staunch protection, and total buy-in under pressure have made Notre Dame a national contender—and a blueprint for how trench units change a program’s trajectory.
