Notre Dame announced Wednesday that offensive lineman Matty Augustine and cornerback Chaz Smith will both undergo surgery, though both players are expected to return at some point during the 2026 season.
The bigger loss is Augustine, who had been competing for the starting right guard job during fall camp.
The 6-foot-7, 315-pound sophomore appeared in four games last season and had put together an impressive camp, emerging as a legitimate contender for a starting role. Augustine suffered a broken foot, an injury that will almost certainly end his bid to open the season as the starting right guard.
His absence now clears the path for Sullivan Absher to take over that role. Entering his fourth season with the Irish, Absher has appeared in 29 career games with five starts and brings considerabe experience to the offensive line. While Augustine had narrowed the competition, Absher now becomes the clear favorite to anchor the right guard position when Notre Dame opens the season.
True freshman cornerback Chaz Smith will also undergo surgery after suffering a wrist injury.
Smith was not expected to play a significant role this season, as Notre Dame returns one of the deepest cornerback groups in the country. With Leonard Moore and DJ McKinney entrenched as the starters and quality depth behind them, the Irish are well positioned to absorb Smith’s absence while he recovers.
Although Notre Dame loses two players to injury, the impact is not equal. Augustine’s injury affects a position battle and reduces offensive line depth, while Smith’s absence comes at one of the team’s strongest positions. The encouraging news for the Irish is that both players are expected to return before the season is over.