2026 Rankings: Breaking Down the Offensive Linemen

For as historic as the Class of 2025 quarterback room might be, the players protecting them and paving the way in the Class of 2026 might be just as pivotal to the state's football scene.   The offensive lineman in the rising junior class have already put together quite the resume.   In terms our rankings, let's look at some numbers.   *Seven ranked inside the top 25   *12 ranked inside the top 75   *18 ranked overall out of 155   Indeed, this group is includes some large human beings capable of taking over and highly skilled linemen who add a technical component to the positions they play.     BREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE    [player_tooltip player_id='1165753' first='Tre' last='Aiken'] Clinton   Aiken blew up after the Joanne Langfitt Challenge in December, giving recruiters and scouts alike plenty of reason to research his sophomore season. What they've found is an extremely active tackle capable of getting downfield when necessary and/or blocking multiple defenders on the same play. With as lean as he is, those recruiters are all thinking he can add quality weight before and after he reaches the next level.    [player_tooltip player_id='895754' first='Steven' last='Pickard'] Philip Simmons   While Pickard had a strong sophomore season that led to what felt like a gazillion rushing yards for the Iron Horses' top two tailbacks, we've seen him continue to grow into his 6-foot-5 frame while not sacrificing leverage. Playing primarily right tackle last fall, Pickard helped open holes. Both of those tailbacks are moving on, which means his efforts will be even more important during his junior season.    [player_tooltip player_id='617718' first='Kenshon' last='Speaks'] Beaufort   Speaks has been on our radar since about the midway point of his freshman season, when the Eagles were using about a five-to-one run/pass offense en route to the state championship. The offense opened up a bit more last year, and that means we got to see Speaks' pass-blocking evolve, too. Still, he's a punishing run blocker and finds his groove when the play calls get him in space or ask him to turn defenders away from the ball.    [player_tooltip player_id='402516' first='Zyon' last='Guiles'] Carvers Bay (pictured)   Carvers Bay has produced some high-level tackles in the school's two and a half decades, and Guiles will add to that list. At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, he ran a 5.16 40-yard dash at the West Florence portion of the Carolinas Coaches Combine. He also measured an impressive 81-inch wing span and got 15 reps on the 185-pound bench. It all allows him to manhandle many of the Bears' opponents.    [player_tooltip player_id='473011' first='Desmond' last='Green'] Timberland   The common belief is that Green is the head of the class. We're not saying that's locked in and guaranteed not to change. But over the course of the last two seasons - the duration of how long he's started on the line - Green has proved to everyone that he's not resting on his 6-foot-4, 330-pound body. He's active, gets out of his stance quickly and engages anyone with a different colored jersey on with a tenacity that recruiters have fallen in love with during his career.    EIGHT RISING STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='473030' first='Quamaine' last='Vaughn'] Philip Simmons   Pickard and Vaughn feed off each other. It's clearly making both of them better players. Vaughn isn't quite as big as his Iron Horses' teammate, but it's also not like he's small, either.    [player_tooltip player_id='1165106' first='Bryson' last='Moore'] Irmo    Much like many of the others on this list, Moore's contributions to his team can be tangibly measured in the insane numbers Irmo put up on offense last fall. His hand-to-hand game is a great complement to his mobility.    [player_tooltip player_id='1110005' first='Cody' last='Peterson'] Ashley Ridge    Since we first heard of Peterson during his eighth grade year, we've been waiting for him to blow up. His ceiling is sky high, and we're not making a joke about him being 6-foot-5.    [player_tooltip player_id='1165103' first='Anthony' last='Baxter'] South Pointe   The recent University of South Carolina verbal commitment made a business decision by locking down his spot with the Gamecocks early. His job now might turn toward recruiting others.    [player_tooltip player_id='1267220' first='Zion' last='Britt'] Berkeley   All the Stags have asked Britt to do since the beginning of last season was block some of the best pass rushers in the entire state. Berkeley's rise is a collective effort, but Britt is doing his   [player_tooltip player_id='1251916' first='Malcolm' last='Gaston'] North Augusta    Gaston measured an inch or so shorter than we initially had him. But even at 6-foot-4 (and change) and 340 pounds, he's an absolute monster in the Yellow Jackets' scheme.    [player_tooltip player_id='1267226' first='Devaughn' last='Locust'] Lamar    Locust is pure power, using his 5-foot-11, 330-pound framed to dominate. The Lamar offense already has some flair for the dramatic, and Locust's abilities allow a lot of that to happen.    [player_tooltip player_id='212409' first='Scottland' last='Dover'] Gaffney   Vying for the claim of the state's best interior lineman from last fall, Dover already has some Power 4 offers and and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.     DARK HORSE CANDIDATES   [player_tooltip player_id='1267354' first='Austin' last='Wertz'] Ninety Six   Wertz isn't going to wow anyone with his 5-foot-9, 225-pound frame. But his fearlessness and aptitude led him to be named to the South Carolina Football Coaches Associations lineman of the week twice last fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1267289' first='Jameson' last='Pelham'] Stratford    In two seasons of varsity ball, Pelham has started at right tackle and guard. He can also handle snaps, so center isn't out of the question down the line. This fall, the staff believes he might move to left tackle. Either way, he'll be somewhere initiating contact.    [player_tooltip player_id='1145762' first='Hayes' last='Cochrane'] St. James   Cochrane is no stranger to this team, as he played both ways last season. He's going to get some run at linebacker (as opposed to defensive end) this fall, but his biggest strength is what he can do as the team's center. With an offense full of new faces, Cochrane is going to have to be the steadying force.     We have no illusions that these are the only lineman this state will produce in the next two seasons. By the time our next rankings update goes live in late summer, we'll add to it.    But for now, this group is strong.

For as historic as the Class of 2025 quarterback room might be, the players protecting them and paving the way in the Class of 2026 might be just as pivotal to the state's football scene.