Anthonie Knapp injury update: Huge blow for Marcus Freeman ahead of CFP national championship game

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship game on Jan. 20, but they will be without left tackle Anthonie Knapp due to a high ankle sprain, coach Marcus Freeman announced on Sunday.

Knapp suffered the injury in the second quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Orange Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Graduate senior Tosh Baker is expected to replace him against the Buckeyes.

This puts Notre Dame in a more difficult position as Knapp has been protecting quarterback Riley Leonard's blindside.

Knapp started all 15 games this season as the team's left tackle as a true freshman but the high ankle sprain was too much to overcome in the next week.

What are the odds for the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State game?

The news of left tackle Anthonie Knapp's absence is not expected to significantly impact the betting odds, as it was already factored into the spread. The game opened with Ohio State favored by 9.5 points, but that number has since dropped to 8.5 points, according to ESPN Bet.

The moneyline odds have changed as well, with the Buckeyes going from -400 to -380 to win this game. In addition, the Fighting Irish have seen their odds go from +300 to +290 to be crowned the 2025 national champions.

Do not be surprised to see this spread jump back up to the 9.5-point margin as the public becomes more aware of this news and buys in on the Buckeyes even more.