Welcome to a strong class of O linemen in 2026

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Lebanon, TN – Already, we have introduced a strong contingent of O Linemen to the upcoming draft starting on April 24. We’ve highlighted mostly First Round Offensive line talent in our summation of top picks this year.  Francis Mauigoa of Miami, Spencer Fano of Utah, Vega Ioane of Penn State and Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon literally “lead the talent charge” entering this year’s draft.

Seems like a lot of depth available to bolster offensive fronts in 2026

Many fans lose sight that football games are won primarily by blocking and tackling. Someone should figure out a way to grade O Linemen for Fantasy Football Leagues.  Seems like the most important players on any team get left out of any team success in such leagues. Winning games starts up front with the O linemen.  Quarterbacks need protection and time to execute the passing game. Running backs need holes open to get that necessary yard or that initial burst for the big gainer.  Wide receivers need time to run routs and get open. In recent years, NFL teams have recognized the value of top players up front for all three reasons. 

Big and talented Left tackles rightfully command hefty salaries. Prime player designations come based on their value to protect that passer to avoid injury.  The game and success of any team playing Sundays starts right up front. These guys perform the workload in the trenches to move the offense toward the goal line. 

Watch for talented O linemen sought in late rounds

Teams can’t get enough of them.  So, watch who they pick up at the bottom of the draft.  That talent up front is a key priority all across the front and on the depth chart.  Can’t win without good subs.  Always need talent to step up quickly when a key cog in the offense goes down. Even if it’s only for a few critical plays. Selecting O linemen late in the draft indicates the confidence teams already have in their playmaking talent. The blockers they draft to play up front will make these playmakers even more impactful and hopefully keep them healthy all season long. Tough job, of course.

Other early round O linemen

Alongside Spencer Fano of Utah, OT Caleb Lomu (71) mixes it up UCF in 2024. He is also expected to be taken in the first round.
Alongside Spencer Fano of Utah, OT Caleb Lomu (71) mixes it up UCF in 2024. He is also expected to be taken in the first round. This Sophomore did not allow any sacks in his second full season. All Big XII First Team.
Clemson RT Blake Miller (78) seen here vs Louisville in 2022 started 54 games. a team captain in 2025, he earned All-ACC First Team honors among O Linemen three times. Demonstrated versatility at Right and Left Tackle.
Clemson RT Blake Miller (78), seen here vs Louisville in 2022, started all 54 games in his career. A team captain in 2025, he also earned All-ACC First Team honors among O Linemen three times. Demonstrated versatility at Right and Left Tackle.
Penn State LT Drew Shelton (66) showed improved footwork in pass blocking over four seasons in 45 games with 2,450 snaps. Allowed only on sack on 350 passing snaps. Needs to improve strength for run blocking per scouting reports.
Penn State LT Drew Shelton (66) showed improved footwork in pass blocking over four seasons in 45 games with 2,450 snaps. Allowed only one sack on 350 passing snaps. Needs to improve strength for run blocking per scouting reports.

Middle round O Linemen seen in action

Florida Gator O Linemen C Jake Slaughter (66) and G Austin Barber (58) celebrate springing for a TD in 2025 win over archrival Florida State. Both received All-SEC recognition in 2025. Slaughter best recognized for pass blocking and Barber for run blocking.
Florida Gator O Linemen C Jake Slaughter (66) and G Austin Barber (58) celebrate springing WR Eugene Wilson for a TD in 2025 win over archrival Florida State. Both received All-SEC recognition in 2025. Slaughter best recognized for pass blocking and Barber for run blocking.
Duke RT Brian Parker II earned all American Honors and AllACC accolades in 2025 leading Duke's record setting offense. NFL analysts see him moving to Center or Guard on Sundays.
Duke RT Brian Parker II (53), here against Middle Tennessee, earned all American Honors and All-ACC accolades in 2025 leading Duke’s record-setting offense. NFL analysts see him moving to Center or Guard on Sundays.
Illini LT JC Davis (74) and fellow Illinois O Lenemen were suppsoe to be ther strenght of their team this year. They did not show well in this early season 63-10 loss at Indiana. In 25 games at Illinois, however, Davis won First Team All-Big Ten Honors after 49 starts including during his first two seasons at New Mexico.
Illini LT JC Davis (74) and fellow Illinois O Linemen were supposed to be the strength of their team this year. They did not show well in this early season 63-10 loss at Indiana. In 25 games at Illinois, however, Davis won 2025 First Team All-Big Ten Honors after 49 starts which includes his first two seasons at New Mexico.
Oregon LT Isaiah World and fellow Duck O Linemen go studnet body right protecting QB Dante Moore in CFP semifinal win over Texas Tech at the Orange Bowl. Staning at 6'8" , 312 lbs, he joind OU after four season at Nevada and fit in perfectly replacing Josh Conerly who wne thigh in teh 2025 draft. He'll be recovering from and ACL tear suffered in his next game versus Indiana. Still lot of optimism for him at the next level.
Oregon LT Isaiah World (76) and fellow O Linemen run student body right protecting QB Dante Moore in CFP semifinal win. Standing at 6’8″, 312 lbs., he joined OU after four seasons at Nevada. He replaced Josh Conerly who went high in the 2025 draft. He’s recovering from an ACL tear in loss to Indiana. Much optimism for him at the next level.

Late Rounders and possible Free Agents

Indiana C Pat Coogan (78) snaps in the envious position of all O Linemen - the victory formation in the CFP championship. Two years at C and OG for Notre Dame prior to 2025 at IU gave him plenty of reps against the best competition in two seasons going deep in CFP.
Indiana C Pat Coogan (78) snaps in the envious position of all O Linemen – the victory formation in the CFP championship. Two years at C and OG for Notre Dame prior to 2025 at IU gave him plenty of reps against top competition in two seasons going deep in CFP.
Coogan's former teammate, G AamilWagner of Notre Dame (59) gives push up front in Irish win over Navy in 2025. Scouting reports wee good hand sppeda and pass blocking capabilities, but foot speed will need to be improved for effectiveness at the next level.
Coogan’s former teammate, G Aamil Wagner of Notre Dame (59), seals up front in Irish win over Navy in 2025. Scouting reports point out good hand coordination and pass blocking capabilities. Foot speed will need to improve for effectiveness at the next level.
Auburn C Conner Lew (75) puts Tigers into end zone against Vandy in 2024. He impressed in 2023 to make the All-American Freshman team. He excelled the following year and excelled in 29 starts until Week 8 of 2025, tearing ACL to end his season. Jumps into NFL draft after his junior year as he rehabs. Late pick or free agency based on his potential seems to be his destiny. Pass protection and reach blocking at age 20 stirred much interest prior to his injury. Deemed a long-term developmental project.
Auburn C Conner Lew (75) puts Tigers into end zone against Vandy in 2024. He impressed in 2023 to make the All-American Freshman team. He excelled in 29 starts until Week 8 of 2025. Torn ACL ended his junior season. Jumps into NFL draft as he rehabs. Pass protection and reach blocking at age 20 stirred much interest prior. Deemed a long-term developmental project.

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Click on the title about this life-long adventure: Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun, and the Ugly on Amazon.com. Among 740 college games attended to date now, we’ve seen all 136 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams play in person at least once. This tells our story! Among them, you’ll pry into collegiate lore regarding the likes of Willie Gault, Dan Marino, Randy Moss, Eli Manning, Ezekial Elliot, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and many more.

Read the reviews on the book page and get your copy today. If you’re trying to follow NILs and transfer portals, read what we predicted in 2023 and more. You’ll see we know what we’re talking about. In addition, we offered solutions to issues occurring that we anticipated when we wrote this book. Get it, enjoy it, and read about the many great memories captured. Maybe these will bring back some of the same memories you encountered when we did!

Edited and written by Stephen J. Koreivo, member of Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Author of “Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly.”

U of Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (4) will look for opportunities like this in the pros against Mendoza.
Next post, we move on to the best defenders seen in action for the upcoming draft. Here, U of Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (4) will look for opportunities like this in the pros against Mendoza.

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