Projecting Every Conference's Best O-Line in 2024 CFB Season (2024)

Skill positions always have the flashier players, but developing a sturdy offensive line can create a massive advantage.

Just look at Michigan, the reigning national champion.

As we look ahead to the 2024 season, B/R is breaking down every position in every conference and projecting the best unit within each league.

The choices are subjective but consider past production—including from transfers—and meaningful position-related context.

Note: Oregon State and Washington State, which are affiliated with the Mountain West in 2024, are considered within the MWC.

AAC: South Florida Bulls

Let's start with an uncomfortable pick.

Last year, South Florida finished 123rd nationally in sacks allowed. Experience alone does not guarantee improvement in front of dynamic quarterback Byrum Brown, but I'm willing to take a risk on the Bulls.

Finding the best five starters will be a challenge, but the pieces are there. Center Mike Lofton, right guard Zane Herring and right tackle Derek Bowman are an encouraging trio. Andrew Kilfoyl and Cole Skinner split time at left guard in 2023, while RJ Perry bounced around every spot except center. Cole Best played all over the interior in a reserve role, too.

C-USA: New Mexico State Aggies

Jerry Kill sparked the program, but his departure led to an exodus on the New Mexico State roster. Fortunately for the Aggies, they at least managed to keep a veteran offensive line.

First-team All-Conference USA left tackle Shiyazh Pete is back, along with second-team center Canaan Yarro. AJ Vaipulu is a third-year starter at guard, and Louie Canepa, Jacob Golden and Cedric Claiborne all held significant roles with Shamarr Jackson as a regular backup last season. NMSU's retooling should have a steady foundation on the O-line.

MAC: Miami RedHawks

The defending MAC champions are well-built to chase a repeat, and that's in no small part because of the blocking unit.

Four starters stuck around, including second-team All-MAC tackles Will Jados and Reid Holskey. Additionally, center Kolby Borders and left guard John Young are still in Oxford. Identifying a fifth figure for the group is the main offseason task, but that's a solid quartet to build around.

MWC (and Pac-2): Boise State Broncos

I'm inclined to pick Air Force, considering the program is a machine at developing blockers for the option offense. However, because the unit may be completely new in 2024, it would be a total projection.

Boise State, meanwhile, returns four starters with a standout left side in tackle Kage Casey and guard Ben Dooley. The others are center Mason Randolph and right guard Roger Carreon. Daylon Metoyer, a JUCO All-American, is among the contenders at right tackle.

Sun Belt: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Any number of programs could snatch this crown since the conference is loaded with uncertainty—in a fun way. Transfer-infused units at Appalachian State and James Madison are worth watching, and Arkansas State has a couple of high-end individuals.

The metaphorical wheel ends on Louisiana, which has third-team All-Sun Belt left guard AJ Gillie. Fellow returning starters are center Landon Burton, right guard Jax Harrington and right tackle George Jackson. Depth is also a strength for the Ragin' Cajuns, with Cooper Fordham, King McGowen and Kaden Moreau all holding backup roles in 2023.

Miami Hurricanes

From a personnel perspective, Miami has little excuse to not feature a productive offense in 2024.

Second-team All-ACC left tackle Jalen Rivers headlines an experienced unit. Right guard Anez Cooper and right tackle Francis Mauigoa were solid starters last season, and Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter is a quality replacement for Matt Lee at center.

Mauigoa will either reprise his starting spot or shift to left guard if Samson Okunlola is ready on the right edge. Both players were 5-star prospects in the 2023 class.

The reserve group includes Matthew McCoy, Ryan Rodriguez and prized JUCO addition Markel Bell.

Oregon Ducks

Another name for this offseason series could be "that B/R guy thinks awfully highly of Ohio State and Oregon" in 2024.

While OSU landed serious consideration in basically every category, Oregon practically swept the offensive picks. The nods for quarterback, wide receiver and now offensive line go to the Ducks.

Left tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and right tackle Ajani Cornelius are superb bookends. Iapani Laloulu spent time all over the interior in 2023 and is projected to start at center, while Indiana transfer Matthew Bedford should slot in at right guard with veteran Marcus Harper II on the left.

Also, in the reserve unit, Oregon gave snaps to Dave Iuli, Charlie Pickard and Kawika Rogers during blowouts last year.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Thanks to quarterback Alan Bowman receiving a seventh year of eligibility, Oklahoma State should be a key Big 12 contender. It should only help to return a ridiculously seasoned offensive line as well.

Left tackle Dalton Cooper is entering his fifth year as a college starter, and right tackle Jake Springfield has opened at least nine games in each of the last four seasons. They landed honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition in 2023, as did center Joe Michalski.

Right guard Preston Wilson has played a major role since his freshman campaign in 2020, and Cole Birmingham has two such years.

Throw in Jason Brooks Jr., Taylor Miterko and Arizona State transfer Isaia Glass, and OSU's reserve group has three others who started three-plus games in 2023.

Texas Longhorns

In absolutely shocking news—heavy sarcasm, yes—each of Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Texas are logical options.

Give me the Longhorns.

Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2023, enters the campaign as a coveted NFL prospect. Not only is center Jake Majors a fourth-year starter, but left guard Hayden Conner is nearing his third and right guard DJ Campbell his second.

Cameron Williams backed up right tackle Christian Jones last season and is expected to take that position this year, while Cole Hutson and Connor Robertson return as top reserves.

Add in 5-star freshman Brandon Baker, and the Longhorns are loaded up front as they chase another trip to the College Football Playoff.