It feels like most Notre Dame fans are excited to see what the 2024 offense can be under Mike Denbrock. The recent injury to left tackle Charles Jagusah has caused some to be pessimistic. But there is still a lot to be optimistic about.

There are, however, still some major questions that remain. It will come down to the Irish offense answering three important areas of concern. If they can, this unit has the potential to be excellent.

Left side of the offensive line

The minute Charles Jagusah went down with injury, the left tackle position became a major question mark. Tosh Baker was the initial talking point, seemingly getting the stamp of approval from offensive line coach Joe Rudolph. The 6-8, 320-pound offensive tackle has some experience, and has continued to work hard, but Baker has never been anything more than a solid swing during his career.

True freshman Anthonie Knapp has been garnering first team reps recently, and could be in line to start in the first game against Texas A&M. Whether it’s Baker or Knapp in the end, there is going to be some pessimism. Baker has his limitations, while Knapp is very young. Either player will need to play a heck of a game against the likes of Nic Scourton to leave Kyle Field with a victory against the Aggies.

There is also a pretty strange position battle happening at left guard. The incumbent is Pat Coogan, who started every game last season. In recent weeks, Coogan has seen a lot of reps at center, but still feels like the favorite at left guard. Sam Pendleton has seen increased reps at left guard as well, while Rocco Spindler’s name has been mentioned less and less.

From center to right tackle, most folks expect Notre Dame to be good for the most part this season. Figuring out the left side will determine just how good the unit will be in 2024. They need a couple players to really step up.

Passing game cohesiveness

The passing game has a chance to be really, really good when it all meshes together. The major question mark is just when it will finally all come together. Will it be game one? Will it be by the middle of the season? The end? Or will it ever happen?

Those are questions that nobody has true answers to right now. The transfer portal was huge for Notre Dame this offseason. That includes former Duke signal caller Riley Leonard, who is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in college football. Leonard will also be surrounded by former transfers Kris Mitchell (FIU) and Beaux Collins (Clemson), who could both play big roles in 2024.

Getting timing down, and understanding each other's role, is going to be huge. The Irish have a chance to be excellent in the passing game this fall, but seeing how things fit together will determine just how good they can be.

Health issues 

This is a very simple one. Notre Dame has a lot of talent on offense, but several of the key pieces have had injuries and durability concerns in the past. It starts with Leonard, who is coming off of a foot and ankle injury. While that was his first major injury, it is still something to monitor.

Beaux Collins has also had some durability issues in the past, as has star tight end Mitchell Evans. Jadarian Price suffered an Achilles injury two years ago. While Jayden Thomas has missed time with nagging injuries, and the same with Deion Colzie and KK Smith during his freshman year.

With Jagusah lost to injury, the offensive line depth also took a big blow. If something happens to either Knapp or Baker, the offensive tackle depth could become a major issue. Keeping this team healthy will be vitally important to reach their ceiling.