The Miami University RedHawks enter the 2026 season with one of the deepest and most experienced offensive-line rooms in the Mid-American Conference.

Miami returns two players who started all 14 games during the 2025 season in Eric Smith and Kris Manu. Smith earned third-team All-MAC honors at offensive tackle, while Manu handled the center position throughout his first full season as a starter. Jacob Schorsch also returns after starting the final seven games of the season.

Head coach Chuck Martin strengthened the group further through the transfer portal. Evan Malcore arrives after starting 32 games at left tackle for Northern Illinois and earning third-team All-MAC recognition in consecutive seasons. Brian Beidatsch joins the RedHawks after earning first-team all-conference honors twice at Duquesne, while former Ohio State lineman Devontae Armstrong provides size, recruiting pedigree and significant developmental potential.

Miami also added former Saginaw Valley State tackle Shaun Shahu, a 6-foot-7 veteran who earned second-team all-conference honors in 2025. Those additions give the RedHawks enough depth to field several different combinations during preseason camp.

The projected starting five includes two returning starters, two accomplished transfers and a former Ohio State prospect. The exact guard assignments could change, and Miami could keep Beidatsch at tackle, but this combination appears to provide the strongest balance of experience, size and positional fit.

Projected 2026 Miami Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Eric Smith Left Guard: Brian Beidatsch Center: Kris Manu Right Guard: Devontae Armstrong Right Tackle: Evan Malcore

Honorable Mention and Leading Reserves

Sixth Lineman: Jacob SchorschSeventh Lineman: Shaun ShahuEighth Lineman: Greg Smith Jr.

Projected Starting Five

1. Eric Smith — Left Tackle

Jersey: No. 51 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 306 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Fairmont, West Virginia Previous Team: Miami University

Bio and College Career

Eric Smith enters the 2026 season as the leader of Miami’s offensive line and its most accomplished returning tackle.

Smith spent his first two seasons developing within the program, redshirting in 2022 and serving primarily as a reserve in 2023. He appeared in seven games during the 2024 season before winning a starting position in 2025.

Smith started all 14 games during his breakout season and earned third-team All-MAC recognition. He was also selected to represent Miami at the conference’s 2026 media-day activities, reflecting his emerging leadership role within the program.

His development is especially important because Miami entered the 2025 season replacing an offensive-line group that had accumulated 166 combined career starts. Smith responded by becoming one of the line’s most dependable performers during the RedHawks’ third consecutive appearance in the MAC Championship Game.

Teams and Awards

Smith has spent his entire college career at Miami.

His most significant college honor is third-team All-MAC recognition following the 2025 season. He was also a first-team all-state offensive lineman during his high school career at Fairmont Senior and earned first-team all-state honors on defense as a junior.

Strengths

Smith possesses the physical measurements professional evaluators want at offensive tackle. His 6-foot-6 frame gives him useful length, while his 306-pound build provides enough mass to absorb power rushes without sacrificing all of his movement ability.

His greatest strength is his experience within Miami’s system. Smith understands the program’s terminology, blocking concepts and protection adjustments. That familiarity should help a line incorporating several transfers develop chemistry more quickly.

Smith is most effective when he establishes his hands early and uses his length to direct defenders away from the quarterback. He has enough size to widen the edge in the running game and can create movement when he maintains proper pad level.

Starting 14 games also demonstrated improved durability and preparation. Offensive tackles must survive a wide range of pass rushers, defensive fronts and weekly game plans, and Smith handled that responsibility throughout an entire season.

Weaknesses

Smith must continue improving his pass-protection consistency. He has the size to control edge defenders, but athletic rushers can challenge his initial foot quickness and force him to open his hips before he is ready.

Defenders who threaten the outside shoulder and then counter inside may create problems when Smith places too much weight on his outside foot. Maintaining balance and avoiding excessive forward lean will be important.

Smith can also play too high in the running game. At 6-foot-6, he must work to maintain leverage against shorter defensive ends who can attack underneath his pads.

His 2026 film must show that his All-MAC performance was the beginning of sustained high-level play rather than one successful season.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Smith is a legitimate developmental NFL prospect. His size, starting experience and All-MAC recognition should earn him attention from scouts. He currently projects as a possible priority undrafted free agent, although a dominant senior season could move him into the later rounds of the NFL Draft.

UFL: Smith would be an attractive UFL prospect because experienced offensive tackles with his dimensions are difficult to find. He could compete for a starting job after receiving an NFL opportunity.

Arena Football: Smith has enough strength and length to play professionally indoors, although his height could create leverage challenges in confined spaces. His best arena position might eventually be guard rather than tackle.

2. Brian Beidatsch — Left Guard

Jersey: No. 76 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 284 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Greenfield, Wisconsin Previous Team: Duquesne

Bio and College Career

Brian Beidatsch arrives at Miami as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in the RedHawks’ transfer class.

Beidatsch played in 31 games during four seasons at Duquesne and developed into one of the better offensive linemen at the Football Championship Subdivision level.

He earned first-team all-conference honors as both a junior and senior. Phil Steele also named him the FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year following the 2024 season.

Beidatsch has the experience to compete at either guard or tackle. This projection places him at left guard because Miami already has two proven veteran tackles in Smith and Malcore. Moving Beidatsch inside would allow the RedHawks to place five of their most experienced linemen on the field simultaneously.

Teams and Awards

Beidatsch played at Duquesne before transferring to Miami.

His awards include two first-team all-conference selections and Phil Steele’s 2024 FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year honor. He also competed in wrestling and track during high school, giving him a background in leverage, balance and lower-body coordination.

Strengths

Beidatsch’s greatest strength is his combination of experience and technical consistency.

Playing 31 games at Duquesne gave him extensive exposure to different defensive fronts and pass-rush strategies. He understands how to adjust his hands, recover after initial contact and communicate against defensive-line movement.

His wrestling background should help him inside. Wrestlers often understand leverage, body positioning and how to redirect an opponent’s momentum. Those traits can translate effectively to guard, where space disappears quickly after the snap.

At 6-foot-4, Beidatsch has a natural interior frame. He should be able to maintain lower pad level than Miami’s taller tackles and create leverage against defensive linemen.

He is also one of the more polished pass protectors in the room. His experience and body control could help stabilize the pocket next to Smith and Manu.

Weaknesses

Beidatsch is lighter than many starting FBS guards. At 284 pounds, he may be giving away 20 to 30 pounds against some interior defensive linemen.

Powerful nose tackles and defensive tackles may attempt to collapse the pocket by attacking him directly. Beidatsch must demonstrate that his technique and leverage can compensate for the weight difference.

He must also adjust to the speed and physicality of FBS competition. His FCS résumé is outstanding, but MAC defensive linemen will generally be bigger and deeper than many of the fronts he faced at Duquesne.

A move to guard would create another transition. He would encounter quicker pressure and have less room to recover than he experienced at tackle.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Beidatsch is a possible priority undrafted free agent. His awards and experience will attract interest, but his weight and level-of-competition transition may limit his draft ceiling. Showing the ability to play guard, center and tackle would strengthen his case significantly.

UFL: Beidatsch projects as an excellent UFL candidate. His extensive starting experience and potential positional versatility could allow him to compete for an immediate role.

Arena Football: His leverage, wrestling background and technical experience could translate well to arena football. Guard or center would likely be his best fit.

3. Kris Manu — Center

Jersey: No. 72 Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 300 pounds Class: Redshirt Sophomore Hometown: Dublin, Ohio Previous Team: Miami University

Bio and College Career

Kris Manu may be the most important player on Miami’s offensive line because of his responsibility for organizing the unit.

Manu appeared in three games during the 2024 season before taking over as Miami’s starting center in 2025. He proceeded to start all 14 games during his redshirt freshman season.

That experience is especially valuable entering 2026. Miami could have as many as three new starters around him, and Manu will be responsible for helping those players identify defensive fronts, communicate protection adjustments and handle pressure packages.

Manu was also named to the Academic All-MAC team after posting a 3.83 grade-point average, evidence of the preparation and classroom discipline that often translates well to the mental demands of playing center.

Teams and Awards

Manu has spent his entire college career with Miami.

He earned first-team all-state recognition during his senior year at Dublin Coffman High School and served as a two-time team captain. He was also named to the Academic All-MAC team after the 2025 season.

Strengths

Manu’s compact frame is well suited for center. At 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, he can play with natural leverage against taller defensive linemen.

His low center of gravity helps him anchor against power and maintain balance when defenders attack one of his shoulders. He can get underneath opponents and create movement despite not possessing exceptional height or length.

Manu also brings proven durability. Starting 14 games as a redshirt freshman is a significant accomplishment, particularly at a position requiring constant communication and precise snapping.

His intelligence may be his greatest long-term strength. Centers must identify potential rushers, recognize defensive-line movement and communicate with the quarterback and guards before nearly every snap.

Manu’s familiarity with Miami’s system should make him the stabilizing force within a line that added several transfers.

Weaknesses

Manu’s lack of height and length may create problems against massive nose tackles. Longer defenders could initiate contact before he reaches their chest and make it difficult for him to disengage.

He must also become more consistent when climbing to the second level. Shorter centers can sometimes lose sight of linebackers behind taller defensive linemen.

Manu has only one full season of starting experience. He performed well enough to retain the position, but his 2026 assignment will become more complicated because he must help integrate new guards and possibly a new quarterback.

Professional evaluators will also want to see guard versatility. Centers who can dress at multiple interior positions have a better chance of earning NFL roster spots.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Manu is a long-term developmental prospect with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining. His intelligence, leverage and early starting experience give him a path toward professional football, but he needs continued development and additional high-level film.

UFL: Manu’s experience making protection calls could eventually make him a strong UFL candidate. Centers capable of organizing an entire line are highly valuable in spring football.

Arena Football: Manu’s compact frame is an excellent fit for arena football. His leverage and experience in tight interior spaces could allow him to play center or guard.

4. Devontae Armstrong — Right Guard

Jersey: No. 78 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 314 pounds Class: Redshirt Sophomore Hometown: Elyria, Ohio Previous Team: Ohio State

Bio and College Career

Devontae Armstrong enters the 2026 season as the greatest unknown—and possibly the highest-upside player—in Miami’s offensive-line room.

Armstrong spent two seasons at Ohio State before entering the transfer portal and choosing Miami. He arrives with three seasons of eligibility remaining and the potential to become a long-term fixture within the RedHawks’ offense.

He was a highly regarded prospect at St. Edward High School, one of Ohio’s premier football programs. His 6-foot-5, 314-pound frame gives him the size to compete at guard or tackle. Miami’s official roster lists him as a redshirt sophomore offensive lineman.

Armstrong did not accumulate meaningful game experience at Ohio State, but he practiced in a program that routinely recruits and develops NFL-caliber linemen.

Teams and Awards

Armstrong began his career at Ohio State before transferring to Miami.

He has not earned a major college postseason award because of his limited playing time. His reputation is based largely on his high school résumé, physical ability and development within Ohio State’s program.

Strengths

Armstrong’s physical profile is his greatest strength.

At 314 pounds, he is the heaviest projected starter on Miami’s offensive line. His size should allow him to absorb interior power and create movement in the running game.

He possesses the frame of an offensive tackle but may fit naturally at guard. Moving inside would reduce the amount of open space he must defend while allowing him to use his mass and strength against defensive tackles.

Armstrong also brings developmental upside. Unlike Miami’s veteran transfers, he still has multiple seasons of eligibility and could become a multi-year starter.

His time at Ohio State should have exposed him to advanced strength training, high-level competition and professional expectations. Even without extensive game action, practicing against Ohio State’s defensive front could help prepare him for MAC competition.

Weaknesses

Armstrong is almost completely unproven at the college level.

Practice experience cannot replace regular-season snaps. He must demonstrate that he can maintain assignment discipline, process defensive movement and execute consistently when the outcome of a game is involved.

His technique may still be developing. Large linemen sometimes rely heavily on size during high school and must learn to win with hand placement, footwork and leverage in college.

At 6-foot-5, Armstrong must also avoid playing too upright at guard. Shorter defensive tackles will attempt to attack underneath his pads.

He may need time to develop chemistry with Manu and Malcore. Interior offensive-line play depends heavily on timing, communication and the ability to pass defenders between teammates.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Armstrong is a developmental NFL prospect with significant upside. His size, recruiting background and remaining eligibility make him worth monitoring. He is not currently a draft-ready player, but two or three productive seasons could change his evaluation considerably.

UFL: Armstrong’s size would make him attractive to the UFL after his college career. Continued development at both guard and tackle would improve his value.

Arena Football: His power and interior frame could translate well to arena football. Guard would likely be his strongest position.

5. Evan Malcore — Right Tackle

Jersey: No. 54 Height: 6-foot-6 Weight: 305 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Previous Team: Northern Illinois

Bio and College Career

Evan Malcore is Miami’s most experienced offensive lineman and one of the top returning tackles in the MAC.

Malcore started 32 games at left tackle for Northern Illinois between 2023 and 2025. He earned third-team All-MAC honors following both the 2024 and 2025 seasons and was named Academic All-MAC during each of his three years as a starter.

He transferred to Miami for his final season and immediately became one of the most accomplished players in the offensive-line room.

Although Malcore spent his Northern Illinois career at left tackle, one 2026 preseason projection placed him at right tackle for the RedHawks. That move would allow Miami to keep returning All-MAC tackle Eric Smith on the left side while giving the team two veteran edge protectors.

Teams and Awards

Malcore played at Northern Illinois before transferring to Miami.

He earned third-team All-MAC honors in 2024 and 2025 and received Academic All-MAC recognition three consecutive times. During high school, he was a team captain, a three-time all-conference selection and a finalist for Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas Award.

Strengths

Malcore’s greatest strength is his experience.

Starting 32 games at left tackle means he has seen nearly every type of pass rusher and defensive pressure a MAC opponent can present. He should not be overwhelmed by the speed of the game or the responsibilities of a full-time starter.

His 6-foot-6 frame gives him useful length, while his 305-pound weight provides enough mass to handle power without making him excessively heavy.

Malcore is a technically developed blocker. He has experience identifying edge pressure, passing off stunts and maintaining the depth of the pocket.

His production in the running game is also encouraging. One preseason statistical projection rated his 2025 run blocking as the strongest part of his game, describing him as one of Miami’s highest-impact incoming linemen. That evaluation is not an official team grade but supports his reputation as an experienced, balanced tackle.

Malcore’s academic record also suggests strong preparation and consistency. Starting at tackle requires detailed film study and an understanding of weekly pass-rush plans.

Weaknesses

Changing from left tackle to right tackle could require an adjustment. The footwork is mirrored, and experienced players sometimes need time to become equally comfortable setting in the opposite direction.

Malcore is dependable but may not possess exceptional NFL-level athleticism. Professional edge defenders will test his ability to recover after losing the initial phase of a pass rush.

He must also avoid oversetting against speed. Rushers who threaten the outside before crossing his face could exploit excessive width in his pass set.

Because he has already played several college seasons, NFL teams may view him as a more finished prospect with less developmental time than younger linemen.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Malcore is Miami’s most established current NFL candidate. His 32 starts, consecutive All-MAC selections and ability to play tackle give him a realistic chance to become a priority undrafted free agent or late-round selection. Demonstrating that he can play both tackle positions would improve his value.

UFL: Malcore would be a premium UFL prospect. His extensive starting experience should allow him to compete for an immediate role.

Arena Football: Malcore could succeed indoors, although his best value comes at tackle in the outdoor game. He may need to demonstrate guard flexibility for an arena roster.

Honorable Mention: Miami’s Next Three Linemen

6. Jacob Schorsch — Guard/Tackle

Jersey: No. 70 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 300 pounds Class: Redshirt Sophomore Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Previous Team: Miami University

Bio and College Career

Jacob Schorsch is more than a traditional reserve. He has a realistic opportunity to win a starting position during preseason camp.

Schorsch redshirted during the 2024 season before appearing in 13 games in 2025. He started the final seven contests, giving him more recent experience in Miami’s system than several of the incoming transfers.

His strong finish to the season should make him one of the first players considered if Miami decides to keep Beidatsch at tackle or if Armstrong needs additional developmental time.

Strengths

Schorsch has an NFL-caliber developmental frame at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds.

He already understands Miami’s protection system and has experience working next to Manu and Smith. That continuity may give him an advantage over transfers who must learn new terminology and communication methods.

Starting the final seven games also means Schorsch has performed during meaningful late-season contests, including Miami’s run toward the MAC Championship Game.

He may be capable of playing guard or tackle, which would increase his value as the sixth lineman.

Weaknesses

Schorsch remains relatively inexperienced despite his seven starts.

Defensive coordinators will have more film available to study, and he must show that he can adjust after opponents identify weaknesses in his technique.

He must also become more consistent with his pad level. His 6-foot-5 frame can become a disadvantage inside if he allows defensive tackles to establish leverage.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Schorsch is a developmental prospect with time to improve. Multiple seasons as a starter could eventually place him on the NFL radar.

UFL: His guard-tackle versatility could make him a valuable UFL candidate after college.

Arena Football: Schorsch has enough size and movement ability to compete professionally, most likely at guard.

7. Shaun Shahu — Offensive Tackle

Jersey: No. 77 Height: 6-foot-7 Weight: 305 pounds Class: Redshirt Senior Hometown: Livonia, Michigan Previous Team: Saginaw Valley State

Bio and College Career

Shaun Shahu provides Miami with experienced tackle depth and a proven record of success at the Division II level.

Shahu played in 15 games at Saginaw Valley State and earned second-team all-conference honors following the 2025 season. He then transferred to Miami for his final college campaign.

His addition gives the RedHawks another veteran who can compete immediately rather than relying exclusively on young developmental tackles.

Strengths

Shahu possesses outstanding tackle dimensions. At 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, he has the height and length to disrupt the path of edge defenders.

His all-conference recognition indicates that he was not simply a reserve at the Division II level. He arrives after producing against college competition and should understand the preparation required of a starter.

Shahu’s size also makes him useful in heavy formations and short-yardage packages. Miami could use him as a sixth offensive lineman without removing one of its starting tackles.

Weaknesses

Shahu must prove that his success will translate from Division II football to the FBS level.

MAC edge defenders will generally be faster, stronger and more technically developed than many of his previous opponents.

His height can create leverage problems, especially against shorter defenders capable of getting underneath his pads.

He also has fewer documented college games than Malcore, Smith or Beidatsch, despite being a senior.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Shahu is an undrafted free-agent candidate whose size will attract attention. He needs meaningful FBS snaps to strengthen his evaluation.

UFL: His length and all-conference experience make him a realistic UFL tackle prospect.

Arena Football: Shahu has professional size, although his height may create challenges in tight spaces. Outdoor football remains his most natural fit.

8. Greg Smith Jr. — Interior Offensive Line

Jersey: No. 74 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 300 pounds Class: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Previous Team: Miami University

Bio and College Career

Greg Smith Jr. gives Miami another experienced returning option on the interior offensive line.

Smith redshirted during the 2023 season before appearing in 13 games and making one start in 2024. Miami named him its Offensive Newcomer of the Year following that season.

He then made his first start of the 2025 season opener as part of a completely rebuilt Miami offensive line. Smith was one of four RedHawks making their first collegiate starts against Wisconsin.

Although he did not remain a full-time starter throughout the entire season, his experience gives Miami a dependable interior reserve.

Strengths

Smith has a balanced interior frame at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds.

He has played in Miami’s system for several seasons and understands the communication required to work beside Manu. That familiarity should allow him to enter games without forcing the RedHawks to simplify their offense.

His selection as Miami’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2024 suggests that the coaching staff values his development, effort and potential.

Smith can provide competition at both guard positions and may be capable of working at center during emergency situations.

Weaknesses

Smith has not yet established himself as a consistent full-time starter.

He must show greater week-to-week consistency and demonstrate that he can defeat more physically gifted defensive tackles.

His professional evaluation also lacks an obvious standout trait. He has adequate size and experience, but he needs stronger production to separate himself from other interior prospects.

Professional Prospects

NFL: Smith is currently a developmental free-agent prospect. Winning a starting position and producing all-conference-level film would improve his outlook.

UFL: His experience and potential guard flexibility could make him a useful UFL candidate.

Arena Football: Smith’s frame and interior experience should translate well to arena football. Guard would be his most likely position.

Overall Strengths of Miami’s Offensive Line

Miami’s greatest strength is its combination of returning continuity and transfer experience.

Eric Smith and Kris Manu started every game in 2025. Jacob Schorsch started the final seven contests, while Greg Smith Jr. has previous starting experience. Those returning players understand Miami’s system and the expectations of Martin’s program.

The transfer class adds significant individual accomplishments.

Malcore started 32 games and earned consecutive third-team All-MAC selections. Beidatsch was a two-time first-team all-conference lineman and an FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year. Shahu earned Division II all-conference recognition, while Armstrong brings size and experience from Ohio State’s program.

Miami also possesses exceptional size. Four of the projected starters are at least 6-foot-4, and each weighs at least 284 pounds. Armstrong, Smith and Malcore all weigh more than 300 pounds.

The tackle depth may be the best in the MAC. Smith, Malcore, Beidatsch and Shahu have all played significant college football, while Schorsch and Andrew Lowry provide additional options.

Manu’s return at center is equally valuable. Miami does not need to replace the player responsible for organizing the protection, which should make integrating the transfers easier.

Overall Weaknesses and Questions

The greatest question is how Miami will construct its best five-man combination.

Malcore, Smith, Beidatsch and Shahu have significant tackle experience, but only two tackles can start. The coaching staff must determine which players can move inside without reducing their effectiveness.

Guard remains less settled than tackle or center. Armstrong has outstanding potential but little game experience. Beidatsch is highly accomplished but must adjust to FBS competition and could be playing a new position.

Chemistry will also require time. Offensive lines depend on coordinated movement, and Miami may start as many as three players who were not in the program during the 2025 season.

The RedHawks must also replace the experience of players who departed after the 2025 campaign. The roster is deeper, but collecting talented individuals does not automatically create a cohesive unit.

Pass protection will be a major evaluation point for Smith and the two projected guards. Miami’s offense may rely on a relatively inexperienced quarterback, making dependable protection especially important.

Professional Outlook Rankings

Best Current NFL Prospect

1. Evan Malcore

Malcore’s 32 starts, consecutive All-MAC selections and experience at left tackle give him the strongest professional résumé in the group.

Best Returning NFL Prospect

2. Eric Smith

Smith combines tackle size, an entire season of starting experience and third-team All-MAC recognition.

Most Decorated Transfer

3. Brian Beidatsch

Beidatsch’s FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year honor and two first-team all-conference selections make him one of Miami’s most accomplished additions.

Highest-Upside Developmental Prospect

4. Devontae Armstrong

Armstrong has the size, recruiting background and remaining eligibility to develop into Miami’s best long-term professional prospect.

Best Interior Developmental Prospect

5. Kris Manu

Manu started 14 games at center as a redshirt freshman and has several seasons to continue developing.

Other Professional Candidates

6. Shaun Shahu7. Jacob Schorsch8. Greg Smith Jr.

Each has a realistic path toward the UFL or arena football, with the opportunity to earn NFL attention through expanded starting roles.

Conclusion

Miami University’s 2026 offensive line has the experience, depth and individual talent to become one of the strongest units in the Mid-American Conference.

Eric Smith returns as an All-MAC tackle and the leader of the room. Kris Manu provides valuable continuity at center after starting all 14 games as a redshirt freshman. Jacob Schorsch and Greg Smith Jr. give the RedHawks experienced returning depth.

The transfer additions raise the unit’s ceiling considerably.

Evan Malcore brings 32 starts and consecutive All-MAC selections from Northern Illinois. Brian Beidatsch arrives as a former FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year, while Shaun Shahu earned all-conference recognition at Saginaw Valley State. Devontae Armstrong provides the greatest developmental upside after transferring from Ohio State.

The projected starting five of Smith, Beidatsch, Manu, Armstrong and Malcore combines experience at both tackle positions, a returning center and two intriguing guards. Schorsch, Shahu and Greg Smith Jr. give Miami three reserves with previous college experience.

The primary challenge will be determining the correct lineup and building chemistry before the season begins. Several of Miami’s best linemen have spent most of their careers at tackle, meaning the coaching staff may need to move one or two experienced players inside.

If that transition succeeds, Miami should be able to protect its quarterback, establish a physical running game and compete for another appearance in the MAC Championship Game.

Malcore and Smith have realistic opportunities to reach an NFL training camp. Beidatsch’s awards and versatility should earn professional interest, while Armstrong and Manu possess the long-term potential to become NFL prospects. Schorsch, Shahu and Greg Smith Jr. also have potential paths into the UFL or arena football.

Miami’s offensive line is no longer a rebuilding position group. It has become one of the deepest, most competitive and most important units on the 2026 RedHawks roster.