Notre Dame’s offensive and defensive lines were front and center during Tuesday’s Spring practice press conference, as position coaches Joe Rudolph and Al Washington praised the progress and potential of their units heading into the 2025 season.
Rudolph, entering his third season as the Joe Moore Offensive Line Coach, spotlighted sophomore tackle Guerby Lambert and redshirt freshman Charles Jagusah as two linemen benefiting from expanded spring reps. Lambert, who is seeing time at both tackle positions, was praised for his athleticism and balance. Jagusah, who returned late last season after a fall camp injury, is now fully healthy and pushing for a prominent role.
“He’s doing really well,” Rudolph said of Jagusah. “He’s smart, consistent, and showing the kind of twitch and power that can make a real difference.”
Sophomore Sullivan Absher, who played guard in 2024, is adjusting to a new role at center — a position he began learning just a month ago. Despite his inexperience, he’s embraced the transition and said gains in lower-body strength have helped stabilize his game.
“I never snapped a football before this,” Absher said. “But I’m loving it. I feel more powerful and rooted this spring.”
Rudolph stressed the importance of developing chemistry this spring, even with a few key players not yet at full health. “It’s about learning how to play together,” he said. “The goal is always the same here — to be the best offensive line in the country.”
On the defensive side, Washington noted the maturity of transfer linemen Jared Dawson and Elijah Hughes, who have quickly adapted to Notre Dame’s system. Redshirt sophomore Armel Mukam was also cited for his leadership and attention to detail.
Perhaps no player embodies the Fighting Irish’s grit better than Bryce Young, the sophomore edge rusher and son of Hall of Famer Bryant Young. After a strong freshman campaign, Young is working to improve his consistency against the run while developing leadership among the younger players.
“I treat every rep like it’s my last,” Young said. “I know what it takes now, and I want to help lead.”
Graduate student Jordan Botelho, who missed most of 2024 due to injury, is back in a limited capacity but remains a vocal leader on and off the field.
“He’s competitive, he’s hungry, and when the time comes, we’re going to take the leash off and let him go,” Washington said.
Sophomore Loghan Thomas, another returning contributor, said last season’s game reps built his confidence and helped him find his footing. “It’s the same game, just faster,” he said. “Now I want to contribute even more on defense.”
As spring practice continues, both line units are shaping up to be key components of Notre Dame’s success this fall — blending youth, experience, and ambition in equal measure.
Check out the Len Zone for a stats breakdown of the upcoming season!