The Louisville Cardinals enter the 2026 season with an almost completely reconstructed offensive line designed to support one of the ACC’s most explosive backfields.

Louisville lost several starters from its 2025 offensive line, then responded by adding experienced transfers Anwar O’Neal, Eryx Daugherty, Johnnie Brown III, Cason Henry and Evan Wibberley. Those additions join returning veterans Lance Robinson and Naeer Jackson, giving head coach Jeff Brohm multiple lineup combinations and significantly more experience than Louisville would have carried without the transfer portal.

The Cardinals averaged 163.9 rushing yards per game in 2025 but surrendered 25 sacks, 10 more than they allowed the previous season. Louisville’s offensive line must continue creating opportunities for Isaac Brown and Keyjuan Brown while providing better protection for projected starting quarterback Lincoln Kienholz.

Dale Williams returned to Louisville in February 2026 to become the program’s offensive line coach. Williams has more than 25 years of coaching experience and previously developed all-conference linemen at Syracuse, Purdue and Western Kentucky.

The most recent published depth-chart projection from Phil Steele places Anwar O’Neal at left tackle, Eryx Daugherty at left guard, Lance Robinson at center, Johnnie Brown III at right guard and Cason Henry at right tackle. Steele’s projection is especially notable because it followed a direct preseason conversation with Brohm.

Projected 2026 Louisville Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Anwar O’Neal Left Guard: Eryx Daugherty Center: Lance Robinson Right Guard: Johnnie Brown III Right Tackle: Cason Henry

Honorable Mention and Top Reserves

Sixth Lineman: Evan Wibberley Seventh Lineman: Naeer Jackson Eighth Lineman: Cameron Gorin

Projected Starting Five

1. Anwar O’Neal — Left Tackle

Jersey: No. 70 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 310 pounds Class: Senior Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Previous Team: Delaware

Bio and College Career

Anwar O’Neal arrives at Louisville after developing into a dependable starting left tackle at Delaware.

He appeared in two games as a freshman in 2023 before becoming a key contributor in 2024. O’Neal then started 11 games at left tackle during the 2025 season, playing more than 900 snaps and helping Delaware average 29 points and 411.1 total yards per game.

O’Neal was part of Delaware’s transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision and helped the Blue Hens earn their first FBS bowl victory. That experience should help him adjust to the larger stage and faster defensive fronts he will encounter in the ACC.

Teams and Awards

O’Neal spent three seasons at Delaware before transferring to Louisville.

He earned honorable-mention All-Colonial Athletic Association recognition in 2024 and honorable-mention All-Conference USA honors in 2025.

Strengths

O’Neal has the size and length required to protect the quarterback’s blind side. He presents a wide blocking frame, possesses enough mass to absorb power rushes and has extensive experience operating against edge defenders in space.

His greatest strength may be his durability and workload. Playing more than 900 snaps in one season demonstrates that he can handle a full-time starting role and remain functional late in games.

O’Neal also brings valuable pass-set experience. He has spent most of his recent career at left tackle rather than moving constantly between positions, giving him an established understanding of angles, landmarks and timing on the quarterback’s blind side.

Weaknesses

O’Neal allowed six sacks during his 2025 season at Delaware, meaning his pass-protection technique must become more consistent against ACC competition.

Speed rushers may test his initial foot quickness, especially defenders who can threaten the outside shoulder before countering underneath. He must avoid oversetting, opening his hips too early and creating an inside path toward the quarterback.

O’Neal must also demonstrate that his production will translate from Conference USA competition to a schedule featuring more explosive and physically developed defensive linemen.

Professional Prospects

NFL: O’Neal enters the season as a developmental NFL prospect. His size, starting experience and natural position at left tackle will attract attention, but he must reduce pressures and sacks to move into serious draft consideration. A productive season could make him a late-round candidate or priority undrafted free agent.

UFL: O’Neal projects as a strong UFL candidate because teams will value his tackle dimensions and extensive starting experience. He could compete for a starting job after an NFL opportunity.

Arena Football: His length and power would be useful, although he would need to demonstrate the quickness to block in tighter spaces. He could potentially move inside if his height does not create leverage problems.

2. Eryx Daugherty — Left Guard

Jersey: No. 56 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 310 pounds Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Previous Team: Boston College

Bio and College Career

Eryx Daugherty may possess the highest long-term ceiling among Louisville’s interior offensive linemen.

Daugherty originally signed with Boston College as a defensive tackle before transitioning to the offensive line. He played in three games during the 2024 season and started at right guard against Nebraska in the Pinstripe Bowl. He then started all 10 games in which he appeared during the 2025 season at left guard.

His defensive-line background gives him an understanding of how interior defenders attack gaps, use leverage and attempt to defeat blocks. His conversion remains relatively recent, meaning he may still have considerable room for technical improvement.

Teams and Awards

Daugherty played at Boston College before transferring to Louisville.

He has not yet collected a major college postseason award, but he was a First-Team All-State selection during his high school career and was regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen available in the 2026 transfer cycle.

Strengths

Daugherty’s pass protection is his most attractive trait. He possesses a strong base, good body control and enough lateral mobility to mirror defensive tackles attempting to cross his face.

His defensive background contributes to his physical playing style. Daugherty understands hand fighting and appears comfortable engaging defenders at the line of scrimmage.

He also demonstrated the ability to contribute to productive rushing performances at Boston College. He helped create running lanes when Turbo Richard rushed for a career-high 171 yards against California and was part of a line that supported 175 rushing yards against Georgia Tech.

Weaknesses

Daugherty remains relatively inexperienced for a projected ACC starter. He has only one full season of starting experience and is still refining his technique after moving from defense to offense.

Injuries are another consideration. Daugherty missed two games during the 2025 season before returning to the starting lineup against Notre Dame.

He must also improve his consistency in the running game. His size suggests he should generate significant movement, but he must continue developing his pad level, foot placement and ability to sustain blocks through the whistle.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Daugherty is one of Louisville’s most intriguing developmental prospects. His size, youth, movement ability and successful position conversion could interest NFL scouts. A breakout season could move him into the middle or later rounds, while another year of college development could substantially improve his value.

UFL: Daugherty would project as an immediate starting-caliber UFL guard. His combination of power and pass protection would fit a professional offense.

Arena Football: His defensive-line background and ability to operate in traffic could translate effectively to arena football. He would have enough strength to handle direct power rushes from interior defenders.

3. Lance Robinson — Center

Jersey: No. 53 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 295 pounds Class: Graduate Student Hometown: Camilla, Georgia Previous Teams: Middle Tennessee and Houston

Bio and College Career

Lance Robinson is the most accomplished and versatile player in Louisville’s offensive-line room.

Robinson began his career at Middle Tennessee before transferring to Houston. He started 11 games at right tackle for Houston in 2022, playing 730 offensive snaps. He allowed four sacks and only one quarterback hit across 483 pass-blocking snaps.

After transferring to Louisville, Robinson appeared in the 2023 Holiday Bowl but missed the entire 2024 season because of an injury suffered during fall camp.

He returned in 2025 and started at right guard in the opener before moving to left guard for the final nine regular-season games. Robinson earned honorable-mention All-ACC recognition and posted some of his strongest grades in victories over Boston College and Virginia Tech.

Phil Steele projects Robinson to move to center in 2026, giving Louisville an experienced and versatile veteran in the middle of the line.

Teams and Awards

Robinson has played for Middle Tennessee, Houston and Louisville.

He was Middle Tennessee’s highest-graded offensive lineman in 2021, according to Pro Football Focus, and did not allow a sack in 470 pass-blocking snaps that season. He later received third-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition from PFF at Houston and earned honorable-mention All-ACC honors at Louisville in 2025.

Strengths

Versatility is Robinson’s defining strength. He has meaningful experience at left guard, right guard and right tackle, and he is now projected to take over at center.

His background at multiple positions should help him understand protection responsibilities across the entire line. That experience is particularly valuable at center, where he will be expected to identify fronts, communicate assignments and help the guards handle pressure packages.

Robinson is also Louisville’s most proven pass protector. He has produced successful seasons at different schools, in different systems and at multiple positions.

His intelligence, composure and experience should help a line featuring four projected transfer starters develop chemistry.

Weaknesses

Center will be a new challenge. Robinson must demonstrate reliable shotgun snapping while simultaneously identifying fronts and executing his blocking assignment.

At 295 pounds, he is slightly lighter than several of Louisville’s other interior linemen. Powerful nose tackles may attempt to line up directly over him and collapse the middle of the pocket.

Robinson also has a significant injury in his history after missing the 2024 season. His durability will remain an important part of his professional evaluation.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Robinson is Louisville’s most polished current NFL candidate. His age and injury history may limit his draft ceiling, but his ability to play guard, tackle and potentially center gives him genuine roster value. He projects as a possible Day 3 pick or priority free agent capable of competing for a backup interior-line position.

UFL: Robinson would be one of the most attractive UFL prospects in the group. His versatility could allow one roster spot to cover three or four offensive-line positions.

Arena Football: Robinson’s intelligence and positional flexibility would make him an excellent arena prospect. Center or guard would be his most natural fit.

4. Johnnie Brown III — Right Guard

Jersey: No. 66 Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 310 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Lilburn, Georgia Previous Teams: Miami and Georgia Southern

Bio and College Career

Johnnie Brown III arrives at Louisville after becoming an all-conference offensive tackle at Georgia Southern.

Brown began his college career at Miami, where he redshirted during the 2022 season. He transferred to Georgia Southern and developed from a reserve and special-teams contributor into a full-time starter.

Brown started all 13 games in 2025, playing 872 total snaps. He opened the season at right tackle before moving to left tackle following an injury elsewhere on Georgia Southern’s line.

Louisville’s projected move of Brown from tackle to right guard could place him in a position that better fits his 6-foot-3 frame while preserving the foot quickness and movement skills he developed on the outside.

Teams and Awards

Brown has been part of the programs at Miami, Georgia Southern and Louisville.

He earned third-team All-Sun Belt recognition in 2025. He was also selected to third-team all-conference squads by PFSN and Phil Steele.

Brown was a two-time all-state selection in high school and reportedly did not allow a sack during his senior season.

Strengths

Brown has legitimate guard-tackle versatility. He has started at both left and right tackle and should be capable of moving outside again if Louisville suffers an injury.

His tackle experience should benefit him in pass protection at guard. He understands how to maintain width, mirror rushers and recover when initially beaten.

Brown is also experienced blocking in space. He should be effective on pulls, screens and outside-running concepts that allow him to use his movement skills.

At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, he has a more natural leverage profile for guard than some taller linemen. He should be able to play underneath defensive tackles and generate movement when his hand placement is correct.

Weaknesses

Brown must adjust to the speed and physicality of ACC defensive tackles after spending most of his starting career in the Sun Belt.

Moving inside also creates new responsibilities. He will face quicker pressure, more frequent twists and less recovery space than he experienced at tackle.

Brown must prove that he can anchor against powerful interior rushers. Length was helpful at tackle, but strength and leverage will be more important when defending the middle of the pocket.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Brown projects as a potential priority free agent with a chance to move into the later rounds. His best selling point will be versatility. Demonstrating that he can start at guard while remaining an emergency tackle would improve his value considerably.

UFL: Brown would be a strong UFL prospect because he could compete at both guard and tackle. His extensive special-teams experience also adds value.

Arena Football: His projected transition to guard makes him a good arena candidate. His tackle-developed footwork could help him handle quicker rushers in tight spaces.

5. Cason Henry — Right Tackle

Jersey: No. 71 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 300 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Marietta, Georgia Previous Team: South Carolina

Bio and College Career

Cason Henry gives Louisville an experienced SEC offensive tackle with one of the best physical profiles in the room.

Henry played sparingly as a freshman at South Carolina and then suffered an injury during the 2023 season. He recovered to start all 13 games at right tackle in 2024 and was recognized as South Carolina’s most improved offensive player during spring practice.

Henry started the first four games of the 2025 season and was reportedly playing at a high level before suffering a shoulder injury. He attempted to return the following week but was injured on the first play and later underwent season-ending surgery.

Teams and Awards

Henry spent four seasons at South Carolina before transferring to Louisville.

He earned SEC academic honor-roll recognition multiple times and was named South Carolina’s offensive Most Improved Player following spring practice in 2024.

Strengths

Henry has NFL-caliber height and length. His long frame helps him keep edge defenders away from his chest and forces speed rushers to take a wider path toward the quarterback.

He also has legitimate SEC starting experience. Starting 13 games during the 2024 season gave him extensive exposure to NFL-caliber defensive ends and sophisticated pressure packages.

When healthy, Henry has enough movement ability to protect on an island and enough size to create displacement in the running game.

His experience at right tackle should also provide stability. Unlike several teammates changing positions, Henry should be able to remain at the position he has played throughout his college career.

Weaknesses

Durability is the clear concern. Henry dealt with significant injuries in 2023 and 2025, including knee and shoulder issues that ended both seasons prematurely.

His medical evaluation will be as important as his game film for professional teams. He must prove that he can remain available for an entire season.

Henry can also play too upright because of his height. Defenders who establish leverage underneath his pads can push him backward or knock him off balance.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Henry has the physical tools and SEC experience to become a late-round draft selection. However, his medical history creates substantial uncertainty. A healthy and productive season could make him Louisville’s highest-drafted lineman; another injury could push him into undrafted free agency.

UFL: Henry would be a high-upside UFL tackle if his health permits. His size and SEC experience would give him an opportunity to start immediately.

Arena Football: Henry has enough ability, but his height could create leverage challenges in compressed spaces. His professional future is more naturally aligned with outdoor tackle play.

Honorable Mention: Louisville’s Next Three Linemen

6. Evan Wibberley — Center/Interior Offensive Line

Jersey: No. 58 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 305 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Fort Mitchell, Kentucky Previous Teams: Western Kentucky and Kentucky

Bio and College Career

Evan Wibberley could easily become a starter if Louisville decides to keep Robinson at guard.

Wibberley appeared in 25 games during three seasons at Western Kentucky and started 15 times. Fourteen of those starts came during the 2024 season, when Western Kentucky reached the Conference USA Championship Game and the Boca Raton Bowl.

He transferred to Kentucky for the 2025 season but played only eight offensive snaps across four games. Wibberley then transferred to Louisville with one season of eligibility remaining.

Teams and Awards

Wibberley has played for Western Kentucky and Kentucky before joining Louisville.

He was named to the 2023 Conference USA All-Freshman Team and Phil Steele’s fourth-team All-Conference USA squad in 2024. He was also an accomplished Kentucky high school lineman at Dixie Heights.

Strengths

Wibberley is the most experienced natural center on the roster. He has already started an entire season at the position and understands the communication, snapping and protection responsibilities involved.

He has enough size to handle defensive tackles and enough experience to step into the starting lineup without forcing Louisville to redesign its offense.

His presence also gives the Cardinals flexibility. If Wibberley starts at center, Robinson could return to guard, where he earned All-ACC recognition.

Weaknesses

Wibberley played very little during the 2025 season. Regaining game speed after a year spent primarily as a reserve will be important.

At 6-foot-5, he is tall for a center. He must maintain his pad level against shorter nose tackles and avoid allowing defenders to establish leverage beneath him.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Wibberley projects as an undrafted free-agent candidate. A strong season as Louisville’s starting center could improve that outlook, particularly if he demonstrates guard versatility.

UFL: He is a strong UFL prospect because of his experience, intelligence and natural position at center.

Arena Football: Wibberley could become an effective arena center if he consistently maintains leverage.

7. Naeer Jackson — Guard/Tackle

Jersey: No. 57 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 310 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Previous Team: Florida International

Bio and College Career

Naeer Jackson is one of Louisville’s most experienced reserves.

Jackson started all 12 games at guard for Florida International in both 2023 and 2024. He transferred to Louisville and made his Cardinals debut in the 2025 opener, playing 27 snaps at right tackle.

Although he did not receive a major role during the remainder of the season, his 24 career starts at FIU give Louisville a proven option behind Brown and Henry.

Teams and Awards

Jackson played for FIU before transferring to Louisville.

He received preseason All-Conference USA recognition before the 2024 season.

Strengths

Jackson’s experience is his greatest asset. He has started two complete college seasons and has played both guard and tackle.

At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, he brings excellent size to the interior. He can use his length to control defenders once he establishes hand placement.

His versatility makes him a logical candidate to serve as Louisville’s seventh lineman. He could replace Brown at guard or Henry at tackle without requiring a major reshuffling of the line.

Weaknesses

Jackson played only a small role during his first season at Louisville despite arriving with significant starting experience.

His height can also create leverage problems at guard. He must bend naturally and avoid exposing his chest to shorter defensive tackles.

Jackson must demonstrate that his production at FIU can translate against ACC defenders.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Jackson is an undrafted free-agent candidate whose versatility could earn him a training-camp opportunity. He needs meaningful ACC snaps to strengthen his résumé.

UFL: His starting experience and guard-tackle flexibility make him a very realistic UFL prospect.

Arena Football: Jackson could play guard in an arena system, although his pad level would be a major evaluation point.

8. Cameron Gorin — Offensive Tackle

Jersey: No. 75 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 295 pounds Class: Redshirt Freshman Hometown: Fishers, Indiana Previous Team: Louisville

Bio and College Career

Cameron Gorin represents the developmental future of Louisville’s offensive-tackle room.

Gorin was a three-star prospect at Hamilton Southeastern High School and selected Louisville over offers that included Boston College and Purdue. He made his college debut against Eastern Kentucky in 2025, playing 27 snaps at left tackle.

Phil Steele projects Gorin as the primary reserve behind O’Neal at left tackle.

Teams and Awards

Gorin has spent his entire college career at Louisville.

He has not yet earned a college postseason award because of his limited playing time.

Strengths

Gorin has a promising tackle frame and several seasons of eligibility remaining. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, he possesses enough size to compete without carrying excessive weight that might limit his movement.

He has already received game experience at left tackle, even though the sample size was limited. That experience should give the coaching staff a better understanding of what he must improve.

Gorin also offers continuity in a transfer-heavy room. Developing him into a future starter would prevent Louisville from needing to rebuild the position completely through the portal every year.

Weaknesses

Gorin is largely untested. Twenty-seven college snaps are not enough to determine whether he is prepared to protect the quarterback against ACC edge rushers.

He must add functional strength, refine his hand placement and demonstrate that he can anchor against power. He also needs more experience recognizing blitzes, defensive-line games and late pressure.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Gorin is a long-term developmental prospect rather than an immediate draft candidate. He has the physical foundation to become an NFL prospect if he develops into a multi-year starter.

UFL: His eventual UFL outlook will depend on whether he earns meaningful starting experience during the next several seasons.

Arena Football: Gorin has the size to play professionally, although his future remains more naturally connected to offensive tackle in the outdoor game.

Overall Strengths of Louisville’s Offensive Line

Louisville’s greatest strength is experience.

The projected starting five includes players who have started games in the ACC, SEC, American Athletic Conference, Conference USA and Sun Belt. Robinson, Brown, Henry, O’Neal and Daugherty have all handled meaningful starting assignments.

The Cardinals also possess excellent positional flexibility. Robinson has played both guard positions and right tackle. Brown has started at left and right tackle but is projected at guard. Jackson has played guard and tackle, while Wibberley is a natural center.

That flexibility should help Louisville survive injuries without automatically inserting an inexperienced player. Williams can move Robinson back to guard, start Wibberley at center or use Brown and Jackson at multiple positions.

The group is also built to support Louisville’s running backs. The projected starters average approximately 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, giving the Cardinals enough size to operate between the tackles while retaining enough mobility for Brohm’s screen game and outside-running concepts.

Overall Weaknesses and Questions

Chemistry is the biggest concern.

Four of the five projected starters are new transfers, and Robinson is projected to change positions. Offensive-line success requires five players to recognize pressure and react together, and Louisville will have limited time to develop that cohesion before opening the season against Ole Miss.

Center remains another important question. Robinson is experienced but has not established himself as a full-time college center. Wibberley is a natural center but received only eight offensive snaps at Kentucky in 2025.

Durability must also be monitored. Henry has endured multiple injury-shortened seasons, Daugherty missed two games in 2025 and Robinson missed all of 2024.

The Cardinals must also prove that successful Group of Five linemen can make an immediate transition to ACC competition. O’Neal and Brown were productive at Delaware and Georgia Southern, but they will face more NFL-caliber defensive linemen in Louisville’s biggest games.

Conclusion

Louisville’s 2026 offensive line has enough experience and versatility to become one of the ACC’s better units, but its success will depend on health, chemistry and the final decision at center.

Lance Robinson provides the leadership and positional flexibility needed to organize the group. Eryx Daugherty offers significant developmental upside at left guard, while Cason Henry brings SEC starting experience at right tackle. Anwar O’Neal and Johnnie Brown III give Louisville two accomplished Group of Five tackles who are being asked to fill different but important roles.

The depth is also encouraging. Evan Wibberley is capable of starting at center, Naeer Jackson has 24 previous starts and Cameron Gorin gives Louisville a young developmental tackle behind O’Neal.

Louisville does not have one unquestioned first-round NFL prospect on the offensive line, but Robinson, Daugherty, Henry and Brown all possess traits that could earn them professional opportunities. O’Neal, Wibberley and Jackson also have realistic pathways to the UFL or another professional league.

The Cardinals have assembled the size, experience and flexibility required to protect Kienholz and create running lanes for one of the nation’s most dangerous backfields. The challenge for Dale Williams will be turning a collection of experienced individuals into one connected five-man unit before Louisville reaches the most difficult portion of its schedule.