Notre Dame offensive line searching for continuity as Ashton Craig rehabs injury

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The focus this spring has been simple: find the best five linemen.

Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph have repeated that message throughout camp. At the same time, the group is awaiting the return of a key piece in center Ashton Craig.

Craig, who started at center last season, is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in Week 3. He has been limited during spring practice as he continues rehabilitation. Freeman has said Craig is progressing, but the priority remains long-term health rather than rushing him back.

His absence has created a ripple effect across the offensive line. With Craig sidelined, Joe Otting, a transfer from Purdue, has taken first-team reps at center. The current group has featured Will Black at left tackle, Anthonie Knapp at left guard, Sullivan Absher at right guard and Guerby Lambert at right tackle.

Despite the current reshuffling, Craig is expected to play a significant role once healthy, with a return anticipated by fall camp.

“I feel better right now, better than last year, so it’s a good feeling I have in the back of my mind just knowing I’m doing what it takes to get back to 100%,” Craig said. “Just trying to close the distance every day, just close the gap every day.”

Under Rudolph, the Irish ranked second nationally in scoring offense last season, averaging more than 40 points per game while allowing roughly one sack per game. That standard has not changed. Even with new faces stepping into larger roles and key players like Craig still sidelined, the goal remains steady: identify the best five linemen and build the chemistry needed to anchor the offense heading into the fall.