Notre Dame Right Guard Sullivan Absher Leaning On 2025 Experience For Growth In 2026
North Carlina native Sullivan Absher has been, or has trained to be, the 'next man in' for the Notre Dame offensive line the last two seasons. Now, he's been given the opportunity to shore up the right side of the offensive line alongside right tackle Guerby Lambert . Last season, Absher stepped into the starting lineup to replace and injured Billy Schrauth . The 6-7, 320-pound guard played well in the final five games of the regular season and has positioned himself for a starting position heading into 2026.
"The experience from last season has given me more confidence," Absher explained. "I mean, it's impossible to replicate game reps in practice, no matter how hard you try, no matter how hard you crank the speakers up in practice. Just having those game reps and being used to the speed of the game and the caliber of athletes that are out there, I think that'll pay dividends going into next season."
Absher started games against Boston College on the road, Navy at home in prime time, Pitt on the road in a Top 25 matchup, Syracuse at home and Stanford on the road. The experience he obtained last season has paid major dividends so far this offseason, but he's looking to take the next step at guard. That journey starts right now during spring practice.
"In the spring, I'd say definitely keeping my weight into the ground," Absher shared. "I'm working on keeping my feet planted, keeping me rooted and grounded, strong with that core strength and playing through the hands. I think just laterally, just covering spots, covering landmarks in the run game and I guess bringing a little bit more accuracy to the violence that I play with."
The outlook of the right side of Notre Dame's offensive line is looking different than it was last season. In 2025, you have 6-6, 300-pound Aamil Wagner at right tackle and Lambert was the starting right guard. This year, Lambert at 6-7-325-pounds has kicked out to right tackle and Absher at 6-7, 320-pounds has stepped in at right guard. The relationship they're building in the offseason will pay major dividends come the fall.
"Oh man, I love Guerby," Absher said about the rising redshirt sophomore. "Guerby’s a quiet guy, but once you get to know him, he's one of the funniest people you'll ever meet. Me and him have been coming in and watching film together because it's two big bodies playing beside each other. I sat down and said, ‘Guerby, look, I'm 6-foot-7, I'm a little bit taller than you, and I'm playing guard beside you.
"In your pre-snap alignment, you look like a fullback right now, you're going to have to move up a little bit," Absher continued. "But just initial things like that that you may not think about, like playing beside somebody new. It's just been a joy to work through all that stuff this spring with him. I love him to death."
I've said it once and I'll say it again. There's a lot at stake for Notre Dame this season and the expectations are at an all-time high. They're going to need this offensive line to perform to the best of their capabilities to give this team it's best chance to win a national title. Absher is going to play a key role in shoring up the right side of the offensive line and he's taking the necessary strides to do it.
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