Big guy, big heart
Aamil Wagner was a nice recruiting surprise for Notre Dame football, as many didn’t expect him to come to South Bend. Hailing from Marcus Freeman’s old high school in Ohio (Wayne), Wagner chose the Irish, and became an anchor on the line at right tackle for the entirety of Notre Dame’s 14-2 season in 2024.
He’s also a very focused and determined individual off of the playing field.
From the ND press release:
Wagner Nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Junior offensive lineman Aamil Wagner has been selected as a nominee for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which recognizes commitment to community service and leadership off the field.
Wagner, an Ohio native, is one of 197 nominees for the honor. The final roster of the 2025 Good Works Team will be announced in September and will consist of 22 football student-athletes and one honorary head coach. In 2024, Irish linebacker Jack Kiser was selected to the Good Works Team and Notre Dame Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman was named the team’s honorary head coach for their efforts in the community.
Wagner leads initiatives to improve the lives of athletes off the field, from youth athletics to collegiate student-athletes. He is heavily involved in the leadership of player development initiatives at Notre Dame which support in the areas of goal-setting, relationship-building, networking, leadership, financial planning and performance.
He also serves as the president of the Notre Dame chapter of Uplifting Athletes, an organization which supports the rare disease community and their families through local outreach, events and fundraising. Through the organization, Wagner has planned events and stayed in direct contact with families.
In addition, he is a regular volunteer at his local senior center, homeless shelter and church. He has also worked with Just a Pair of Shoes, which provides community youth a new pair of shoes, near his hometown. On campus, Wagner is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and Notre Dame Christian Athletes.
In 2024, Wagner was honored with the 2024 Notre Dame Football Scholar-Athlete Award and started all 16 games for the Irish en route to a National Championship appearance. Notre Dame’s rushing offense ranked No. 4 among the Power 4 in yards per carry (5.66), ranking No. 7 among all FBS teams. The Irish ranked No. 6 among Power 4 teams in rushing offense (210.8).