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Gophers O-Line Patchwork After Center's Season-Ending Injury
1 Oct
Summary
- Starting center Ashton Beers out for the season with leg injury.
- Backup center Brett Carroll also lost for the season during camp.
- Greg Johnson moved to center, Jaden Ball fills guard role.
The Gophers' offensive line will operate as a patchwork unit for the rest of the 2026 season. Starting center Ashton Beers has been ruled out with a season-ending injury, confirmed by a source on Wednesday, October 1, 2026. Beers' absence will impact all eight remaining games due to a lower right leg injury sustained earlier in September.
This situation is exacerbated by the loss of backup center Brett Carroll, who suffered a season-ending leg injury during preseason camp in August. The team's depth at center has been severely tested, prompting a strategic shift on the offensive line.
To address the depleted center position, Minnesota moved preseason All-American guard Greg Johnson to center for their recent game against the Huskies. Johnson, a former starting center, successfully led the offensive line, contributing to the team's rushing game and protecting the quarterback. However, this move created an opening at left guard.
Jaden Ball, a transfer from Purdue, made his first career start at left guard against the Huskies. However, Ball is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Wolverines, adding further uncertainty to the offensive line's configuration.
