Ranking Every Big Ten Offensive Line Entering the 2026 Season

Offensive-line rankings are always more complicated than evaluating quarterbacks, running backs or wide receivers. Statistics rarely tell the entire story, and five individually talented blockers do not necessarily form an effective unit.

Continuity, communication, depth and positional versatility can matter just as much as recruiting rankings. That is especially true in the Big Ten, where injuries, physical defensive fronts and difficult late-season weather regularly test an offensive line’s depth.

These rankings consider returning starters, previous performance, transfer additions, individual talent, projected depth and the likelihood that each unit will protect its quarterback while creating a consistent running game.

18. Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue has added size and experience under Barry Odom, but its offensive line remains one of the roster’s most significant concerns.

Left tackle Jalen St. John is no longer available, leaving Joe Strickland, Ethan Trent, Jude Tanona and several younger linemen competing for expanded roles. Tanona provides experience and could become an important piece, but the Boilermakers lack a proven difference-maker at tackle.

Purdue’s 2025 line struggled to consistently control Big Ten defensive fronts. The Boilermakers had difficulty generating movement in short-yardage situations and could not always protect long enough for the passing game to develop.

The unit should improve as Odom continues rebuilding the roster, but meaningful progress may require time. Purdue needs to establish a consistent starting five during preseason camp and keep that group healthy.

Until the Boilermakers demonstrate they can protect the edges and produce a dependable running game, they begin the season at the bottom of these rankings.

17. UCLA Bruins

UCLA’s offensive line has been a recurring problem since the Bruins entered the Big Ten.

The program added several young linemen during the offseason, but immediate improvement will require more than recruiting reinforcements. UCLA needs proven tackles who can survive against the conference’s best pass rushers and an interior capable of creating movement in the running game.

The Bruins have some intriguing developmental prospects, but much of the projected depth chart remains inexperienced. That creates obvious concerns in a conference where quality depth is essential.

Scheme could help. UCLA can use quick passes, screens and quarterback movement to reduce the pressure placed on its tackles. However, those strategies cannot completely compensate for poor blocking.

The Bruins have an opportunity to climb this list if their younger linemen develop faster than expected. Entering preseason camp, though, too many positions remain unsettled to place UCLA higher.

16. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State enters 2026 with another offensive-line reconstruction project.

The Spartans have attempted to address the problem through recruiting and the transfer portal, but they still lack the proven depth found among the conference’s better units. Establishing a dependable tackle combination will be especially important.

Michigan State’s inability to consistently control the line of scrimmage has affected every part of its offense in recent seasons. The running game has struggled to remain efficient, while quarterbacks have frequently operated under pressure in obvious passing situations.

There is enough size and athleticism for the Spartans to improve, particularly if their transfers adjust quickly. The challenge will be developing communication among players who have limited experience working together.

Michigan State’s line may become respectable by the second half of the season. Early in the year, however, it could experience significant growing pains against established Big Ten defensive fronts.

15. Maryland Terrapins

Maryland has enough individual talent to avoid the bottom of the conference, but depth remains a concern.

The Terrapins have used the transfer portal to supplement their offensive line during recent roster cycles. That strategy has provided experienced starters, but it has not always created the continuity needed to build an elite unit.

Maryland must become more physical in short-yardage situations and more consistent at protecting the edges. The line has occasionally held up well against average opponents before struggling when facing the conference’s premier defensive fronts.

Another concern is what happens after an injury. The projected starting lineup has a chance to perform adequately, but the gap between the first and second units appears considerable.

Maryland’s skill-position players can create explosive plays if the quarterback receives time. Whether the offensive line can consistently provide that time will determine the ceiling of the entire offense.

14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers showed meaningful offensive-line improvement in 2025, but the Scarlet Knights must replace some of the veteran continuity responsible for that progress.

By the end of last season, Rutgers had finally developed stability at four of its five positions. Several upperclassmen had played together since 2023, allowing the group to improve its communication and reduce the breakdowns that had previously damaged the offense.

The challenge is maintaining that progress following personnel changes.

Rutgers will rely on a combination of returning contributors, transfers and younger recruits. The staff has invested heavily in the position, but recruiting depth does not guarantee immediate results.

The Scarlet Knights must protect a new quarterback while creating opportunities for their running game. If they can settle on a starting five early, they could outperform this ranking.

The lack of proven high-end talent keeps Rutgers in the lower third, but the unit should be more competitive than it was during the program’s worst offensive seasons.

13. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State has recruited too well to remain this low for long, but the Nittany Lions enter 2026 facing substantial uncertainty.

Four starters from the 2025 offensive line moved on, including several of the unit’s most accomplished players. Penn State must replace center Nick Dawkins and All-American guard Vega Ioane while developing new starters at multiple positions.

Texas State transfer Brock Riker should provide immediate stability at center. Riker reportedly did not surrender a sack during the 2025 season and brings valuable experience to a young unit.

Former highly rated recruits Malachi Goodman and Donnie Harbour have impressive size and considerable upside. The question is how quickly they will adjust to full-time roles.

Penn State could eventually possess one of the conference’s better lines. However, potential should not be confused with proven performance. Until the new starters demonstrate they can handle Big Ten competition, the Nittany Lions belong in the middle-to-lower portion of the rankings.

12. Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern is an intriguing offensive-line sleeper because of its combination of experience and coaching.

Veteran guard Noah Josey has accumulated more career snaps than any other returning FBS offensive lineman. His experience provides the Wildcats with an important foundation in the middle of the line.

New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and offensive-line coach Tim Drevno should also help. Kelly’s system can create blocking advantages through tempo, formation variation and a diverse running game.

Northwestern still lacks the overall talent found among the Big Ten’s top units, particularly at tackle. The Wildcats may have difficulty blocking elite pass rushers when opponents force them into obvious passing situations.

However, good coaching and interior experience can prevent this line from becoming a liability. If Northwestern identifies reliable tackles, the Wildcats could climb several spots before the season ends.

11. Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin’s offensive line no longer automatically belongs near the top of the Big Ten.

The Badgers still recruit the position well and possess several large, talented blockers. However, recent Wisconsin lines have not consistently displayed the dominance associated with the program’s best teams.

The transition in offensive philosophy contributed to that decline. Wisconsin moved away from its traditional power-running identity without consistently developing an efficient replacement. Changes to the coaching staff and scheme now provide an opportunity to restore some stability.

The Badgers should have enough talent to run the football effectively against average opponents. The larger question is whether their tackles can hold up against the conference’s premier edge rushers.

Wisconsin has a higher ceiling than several teams ranked immediately ahead of it. Until the Badgers reestablish their physical identity and improve their pass protection, though, placing them around the middle of the conference is appropriate.

10. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois suffered important personnel losses, leaving Bret Bielema with another rebuilding assignment up front.

Bielema’s history suggests the Fighting Illini will eventually develop a physical, technically sound unit. His teams consistently emphasize offensive-line recruiting, size and a downhill running game.

The concern is immediate experience. Illinois must replace established starters while also adjusting to changes elsewhere in the offense. Transfers could fill some of those vacancies, but building chemistry may take time.

Illinois should remain competitive in the running game because its scheme creates clear responsibilities and allows linemen to play aggressively. Pass protection presents a larger question, particularly when the Illini face Ohio State, Oregon and other teams with elite defensive speed.

This line has a relatively safe floor because of Bielema’s coaching, but its ceiling will depend on how quickly the new starters develop.

9. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska’s offensive line improved in 2025 but remains difficult to evaluate entering the new season.

The Cornhuskers possess considerable size and have invested heavily in recruiting the position. They have also developed more depth than they possessed during the early years of the program’s Big Ten struggles.

Nebraska must still become more consistent. The unit has occasionally produced impressive rushing performances before struggling with penalties, missed assignments or pressure allowed during critical situations.

Protecting the quarterback will be the group’s most important responsibility. Nebraska has enough playmakers to produce an effective offense, but that talent will not matter if the quarterback regularly faces pressure from the interior.

The Cornhuskers have the personnel to finish among the conference’s top six or seven lines. For now, placing them ninth acknowledges both their improvement and the inconsistency they must overcome.

8. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota rarely receives national attention for its offensive line, but the Golden Gophers continue developing big, physical blockers.

The program’s offensive identity places considerable responsibility on the line. Minnesota wants to run the football, control possession and avoid placing its quarterback in difficult third-down situations.

The Gophers have enough experience to execute that approach. Their interior line should be a strength, and the coaching staff has consistently done a good job developing less-heralded prospects.

Pass protection determines whether Minnesota can climb higher. The Gophers have occasionally struggled when forced to abandon their running game and protect against aggressive pressure packages.

This may not be a spectacular unit, but it should be fundamentally sound and physical. Minnesota’s line is more likely to be dependable than dominant, which places it just inside the conference’s upper half.

7. Washington Huskies

Washington enters 2026 with a potentially strong offensive line and an offense capable of taking advantage of it.

The Huskies have rebuilt their line following the massive personnel losses that occurred after the 2023 national championship game. That process produced encouraging results in 2025, and Washington now has better size, depth and continuity.

The line should be particularly effective in the running game. Washington’s talented backfield can create explosive plays if the blockers consistently reach the second level.

The Huskies must prove they can handle the conference’s best defensive fronts away from home. Their line has improved, but Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan and Indiana present a different challenge than the middle of the schedule.

Washington has a chance to emerge as one of the Big Ten’s biggest surprises, and offensive-line improvement is a major reason for that optimism.

6. USC Trojans

USC has made significant progress rebuilding an offensive line that once threatened to undermine Lincoln Riley’s offense.

The Trojans have recruited and used the transfer portal more aggressively at the position. They now possess better size and more legitimate competition for starting roles.

USC’s line does not necessarily need to dominate every opponent. Riley’s passing concepts, quarterback mobility and talented receivers can reduce the amount of time the group must sustain blocks. The line simply needs to avoid the catastrophic breakdowns that have damaged the Trojans in previous seasons.

The interior should be dependable, while the tackle positions will determine whether USC can compete for a Big Ten championship. The Trojans must prove they can protect against elite pass rushers without constantly using running backs or tight ends as additional blockers.

USC’s talent and scheme provide a high ceiling, but the line must demonstrate more week-to-week consistency before entering the conference’s top five.

5. Oregon Ducks

Oregon has accumulated one of the country’s most talented collections of offensive linemen, but the unit enters 2026 with some uncertainty.

Center Iapani Laloulu is one of the Big Ten’s best interior linemen and provides an experienced anchor. Fox Crader has limited starting experience but possesses the talent to become an excellent tackle.

The Ducks recruit well enough to replace departing starters without suffering a dramatic decline. However, their offensive line was overwhelmed at critical moments in recent College Football Playoff losses. Oregon must prove that its talent can translate against the nation’s most physical defensive fronts.

The running game should remain productive, and the presence of Dante Moore at quarterback will help the line. Moore’s experience and ability to deliver the football accurately can cover occasional protection issues.

Oregon may finish considerably higher than fifth, but its reshuffled tackle situation prevents the Ducks from beginning the season above the conference’s more established units.

4. Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa won the 2025 Joe Moore Award as the best offensive line in college football, but the Hawkeyes must replace three outstanding starters.

Center Logan Jones, guard Beau Stephens and tackle Gennings Dunker all departed after earning Big Ten recognition. Those losses would devastate most programs.

Iowa still returns two of the conference’s best linemen. Left tackle Trevor Lauck allowed no sacks during the 2025 season and earned an elite pass-blocking grade. Kade Pieper provides another high-level building block and positional versatility.

The Hawkeyes’ offensive-line culture also matters. Iowa consistently develops blockers who understand leverage, hand placement and assignment discipline. The new starters will not be asked to learn an unfamiliar identity.

Losing three accomplished starters prevents Iowa from remaining No. 1, but this should still be one of the Big Ten’s best units. If the new interior starters develop quickly, the Hawkeyes could challenge for another Joe Moore Award.

3. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan’s offensive line regained much of its traditional identity during the 2025 season.

The Wolverines averaged more than 210 rushing yards per game, finishing second in the Big Ten. They also produced 33 rushing touchdowns and helped multiple running backs average more than six yards per carry.

Right tackle Andrew Sprague became one of the conference’s most dependable young linemen. He started all 12 regular-season games, allowed only one sack and earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten recognition.

Michigan must replace some experienced blockers, but the program has recruited the position well. Its running scheme also allows the Wolverines to use their size and athleticism through pulls, double teams and combination blocks.

Protecting Bryce Underwood remains the most important task. Underwood’s development could make Michigan a championship contender, but that progress depends on keeping him clean.

Michigan combines talent, physicality and a proven developmental system, making it one of the conference’s safest top-three choices.

2. Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana’s national championship was built on more than explosive skill players and excellent quarterback play. The Hoosiers were outstanding at the line of scrimmage.

Left tackle Carter Smith returns as the centerpiece. Smith earned consensus All-America recognition and became Indiana’s first recipient of the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year award. He enters 2026 with 41 career starts and legitimate first-round NFL Draft potential.

Indiana must replace several experienced contributors, but Curt Cignetti and offensive-line coach Bob Bostad have consistently demonstrated an ability to develop and integrate transfers. The Hoosiers’ system also helps by combining tempo, play action and a diversified running game.

Smith gives Indiana an elite blindside protector for transfer quarterback Josh Hoover. The Hoosiers should also remain physical enough inside to create opportunities for their running backs.

There will be some adjustment after losing veteran leadership, but Indiana’s coaching, development and elite left tackle keep the defending champions near the top.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State possesses the Big Ten’s best offensive line entering the 2026 season.

The Buckeyes return four starters from an already strong unit. Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery and Carson Hinzman give Ohio State one of the country’s most experienced and talented interior foundations, although Siereveld could remain at left tackle.

Siereveld did not surrender a sack in 2025 and earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition. Montgomery has developed into a legitimate NFL prospect, while Hinzman provides experience and versatility at center.

The only significant question involves arranging the five best players. Ohio State could leave Siereveld at tackle or move him inside if Ian Moore proves ready for a larger role. Either option gives the Buckeyes impressive flexibility.

Ohio State has elite skill players and an experienced quarterback, but the offensive line may be the roster’s greatest strength. It can create running lanes, protect against elite pass rushers and survive an injury better than most conference opponents.

Entering the season, the Buckeyes are the clear No. 1—and one of the leading candidates to possess the best offensive line in the country.

Final Big Ten Offensive-Line Rankings

1. Ohio State
2. Indiana
3. Michigan
4. Iowa
5. Oregon
6. USC
7. Washington
8. Minnesota
9. Nebraska
10. Illinois
11. Wisconsin
12. Northwestern
13. Penn State
14. Rutgers
15. Maryland
16. Michigan State
17. UCLA
18. Purdue

The conference’s top five lines each possess a compelling argument. Ohio State has the best combination of talent and continuity, Indiana returns the Big Ten’s premier tackle, Michigan should remain dominant on the ground, Iowa owns the conference’s strongest developmental tradition, and Oregon has enough blue-chip talent to outperform its preseason ranking.

Penn State represents the biggest wild card. The Nittany Lions could climb rapidly if their young linemen meet expectations, but replacing four starters makes them difficult to rank higher in July.

As usual, the Big Ten championship race will be heavily influenced by what happens at the line of scrimmage. Ohio State begins the season with the advantage, but Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Oregon are all capable of producing championship-level offensive lines.