Indiana and Notre Dame are gearing up for a historic showdown in the first-ever round-of-12 game in the College Football Playoff. As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the absence of key players due to injuries and transfers has raised questions about how these changes will impact the game. With Notre Dame boasting an impressive 11-1 record and Indiana at 10-2, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s dive into the details surrounding the players who won’t be taking the field in this playoff clash.
Injuries and Transfer Portal Entrants: Indiana’s Challenges
Injury Report for Indiana
Indiana has faced considerable challenges this season, particularly with injuries to several key players. One of the most significant losses is Andrew Depaepe, a defensive lineman who transferred from Michigan State. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious knee injury during a preseason scrimmage and has not played this year. As a redshirt freshman, he will have the opportunity to return in the future.
Another player impacted by injury is Drew Evans, an offensive lineman who made appearances in the season’s first three games. An Achilles injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, and as a redshirt sophomore, he still has plenty of time to make an impact in the coming years.
Josh Philostin, a highly touted cornerback recruit, also suffered a knee injury during preseason and will redshirt this year. Similarly, Nick Kidwell, a projected starter and transfer from James Madison, sustained a preseason injury. Kidwell, already a seventh-year senior, faces a crucial decision about whether to return for another season or conclude his college football journey.
The offensive line has also seen the loss of Vince Fiacable, a redshirt junior who played in just one game this season due to a season-ending injury sustained during camp. These injuries have undoubtedly tested Indiana’s depth and resilience.
Transfers Impacting Indiana
In addition to injuries, Indiana has also seen several players enter the transfer portal. Elijah Green, a running back transfer from North Carolina, had a productive season with 201 rushing yards and five touchdowns but has just one year of eligibility remaining. Meanwhile, Joshua Randolph, a linebacker who transferred from Austin Peay, did not see any action in 2024 after limited appearances in 2023.
Other notable transfers include Noah Bolticoff, an offensive lineman from TCU who has yet to see the field at Indiana, and DJ Warnell Jr., a safety with experience at UCLA and Arizona. Warnell made four tackles in his one year at Indiana before opting to redshirt. Additionally, Donaven McCulley, a wide receiver who caught 48 passes for 644 yards in 2023, has announced his transfer to Michigan after playing only three games this season. The loss of these players raises questions about Indiana’s depth and adaptability heading into the playoff.
Notre Dame’s Injury Woes
While Indiana grapples with its challenges, Notre Dame is not without its own injury concerns. Benjamin Morrison, a standout cornerback and likely first-round NFL Draft pick, suffered a midseason injury and will miss the remainder of the season. His absence is felt deeply, although Notre Dame has experience in playing without him.
Another key player, Boubacar Traore, an impressive pass rusher, suffered an ACL injury in Week 5 against Louisville. Traore had already notched three sacks in the first five games, making his loss a significant blow to the Fighting Irish’s defensive line. Chance Tucker, a senior cornerback, also faced a preseason ACL tear, sidelining him for the entire season.
Charles Jagusah, a sophomore offensive lineman, is another casualty of injuries, having suffered an upper-body injury that will keep him out for the year. Additionally, Gi’Bran Payne, a running back, tore his ACL during the spring game, marking his second significant injury and leaving uncertainty about his future in football.
The injury list for Notre Dame includes Taebron Bennie-Powell, a safety who underwent preseason surgery for a left labrum injury. As a freshman, he still has plenty of time to contribute in the future.
Notre Dame’s Transfers
In addition to injuries, Notre Dame has also seen some players enter the transfer portal. Aiden Gobaira, a defensive lineman who transferred from Virginia in 2022, never saw meaningful playing time at Notre Dame and has opted to enter the portal to extend his playing career. Jaden Mickey, another 2022 recruit, has decided to opt out of the season after minimal action early in 2024, preserving his redshirt year.
Tyson Ford, another casualty of medical issues, has also decided to transfer to Cal after being moved to a medical scholarship. These departures add another layer of complexity to Notre Dame’s playoff preparation.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Prevail?
As the countdown to the playoff game continues, the focus shifts to how both teams will adapt to the absence of these key players. With Indiana’s 10-2 record and Notre Dame’s 11-1 mark, fans are eager to see how the depth charts will shift and which players will step up in this high-stakes environment.
What about the missing Hoosier and Fighting Irish players? Who do you think will emerge victorious in this thrilling matchup? With so much on the line, this game promises to be a memorable chapter in college football history.
