Resilient Ashton Craig Eyes Full Return as Anchor of Notre Dame Offensive Front

It’s been a long two-year stretch for Notre Dame center Ashton Craig. 

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman has seen each of the past two seasons cut short by ACL injuries to the same knee.

It’s an adversity that can test even the most resilient players. But through it all, Craig has maintained a steady, positive mindset and that experience is paying off this spring.

“It obviously plays a factor mentally, but there’s peace of mind that I've been through it before,” stated Craig. “I know what it takes to battle through injuries and things like that. So just coming to work every day, just keeping my head up, just putting the work in, I think that's just huge. I think that's really been beneficial for me and I think I'm in a really good spot right now."

Over the last three seasons, Craig has made 12 starts at center, showing the ability to anchor Notre Dame’s offensive line when healthy.

If he’s able to return to full strength for the 2026 campaign, it would provide a significant boost to a unit with high expectations.

“I've earned their trust and they believe in me to do the best I can do every play, every game,” said Craig. “I think that's just huge and it gives me the most confidence in myself when I go out there and play."

And yes, Craig expects to be ready for week one. 

"I expect myself to be ready to go for the first game,” Craig said. “I'm confident in that and compared to last year, I felt good heading into week one and this is the same thing. I feel confident in myself, my ability to lay it out there for the guys next to me."

While he continues working his way back physically, Craig has leaned heavily into the mental side of the game this spring.

Craig is making his pre-snap checks before each play and helping younger players understand the offense. 

“I'm trying to take as many mental reps as I possibly can,” explained Craig. “Just sitting behind every play, going through the calls I'd make if I was in the rep and then also talking through it with some younger guys sitting back there. They're trying to learn the plays and everything, so I'm talking through it with them. 

“It's just kind of that process day in and day out. I know all the plays and everything. You can't be lackadaisical with it. You have to go through it mentally every day and keep a standard of it.” 

Though he’d prefer to be on the field, Craig has gained a unique perspective by stepping back and observing the group’s development.

From his vantage point, the offensive line is making steady progress as it builds chemistry this spring.

"I think they're definitely all working, trying to work together the best they can right now,” explained Craig. “Spring's meant for just to get guys going, attack everything. I think each and every practice, I think guys are closing that gap of just being the best they can for the guy next to them.

“It's really awesome to see that, just to have a different perspective and just sit back and watch. It's really neat to see those guys gelling and doing the best they can for each other."

When Craig returns to full health, Notre Dame has the pieces to form one of the most talented and physically imposing offensive lines in the country. There’s still work to be done, but Craig believes the foundation is already being laid.

"I think we have a chance to be one of the best in the country,” said Craig. “I think if we close the gap and really focus on playing for the guy next to us, and I think we're doing a great job of that now. If we play with that physical mentality up front and just play smart, I think it'll be tough to beat our offensive line.” 

Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Comfort Colors OHT Camo Overlay T-Shirt