2026 Rankings Update: A Closer Look at the O-Linemen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">new set of rankings</a> for the Class of 2026 dropped on Thursday. We published <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/look-inside-process-of-compiling-26-update/">an overview</a> on how the update came together. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we dive into positional ratings with some newer bells and whistles from designers here at Prep Network. The chart gives us a view of all the guys in a class ranked at each spot. Click on a name and it takes you to his profile. Pretty slick. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We start with the offensive line, a strong group. No. 1 [player_tooltip player_id='1221926' first='Carson' last='Nielsen'], an Iowa commitment, leads a collection of juniors capable of big steps forward this fall. And, just as exciting, new names will emerge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reports on Stock Risers and New Additions appear below the chart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2405","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf7ef638544"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STOCK RISERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1241376' first='Colton' last='McClish'], 6-3, 320, Johnston: </strong>The Dragon lineman checks in at No. 8 overall and is the second-ranked O-Lineman in our '26 update. McClish is advanced for his age and the future is very bright. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16545697/653f39ecda5c260cc400eb24">sophomore highlight video</a> gives a good feel for his present game. He combines mass, strength and impressive agility for his size. He moves well laterally and smoothly reaches the second level for blocks. His feet are good, allowing him to get off the snap and pull without much effort. McClish is a guy who could absolutely rise significantly on the recruiting trail this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221959' first='Hayden' last='Bishop'], 6-3, 260, Cedar Falls:</strong> No. 7 on the offensive line and a No. 21 overall ranking in the update might end up being too low for Bishop. He's steadily improved and has already drawn college attention. On <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20566371/65b919f1bed6e40658083aac">his sophomore highlights</a>, he displays advanced ability to get the job done. It starts with him being physically capable of matching up with older players. He offers nice athleticism, reaching the second level and executing when asked to pull. He squares up well in pass pro and active hands help him win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1240572' first='Colt' last='Schipper'], 6-4, 260, Waukee: </strong>Schipper shows up as the 12th-ranked OL and the No. 50 overall prospect in the '26 update. He's without question a guy that should be considered a serious breakout prospect this season. The <a href="https://x.com/colt_schipper/status/1812641960571674864">athleticism stands out</a> when talking about Schipper. He played varsity basketball as a sophomore after proving he was a next-level prospect on the gridiron last fall. Programs like Iowa, North Dakota and others have reached out. Even more attention should be coming his way in '24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NEW ADDITIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281978' first='Draeden' last='Punt'], 6-7, 225, MOC-Floyd Valley</strong>: Punt's potential is through the roof. As he starts reaching that high ceiling this season, more attention will come his way on the recruiting trail. Punt rose from unranked to the No. 3 OL in this update. When popping on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18029797/65b84fb1578d8c0b68c71703">sophomore highlight video</a>, he shows us a sound foundation on which to build. He understands how to punch and bends well. He's every quick off of the snap. That helps his push in the run game and allows him to get into pass protection with balance. Punt looks light on his feet. We have him here in New Additions, but he also fits in Stock Risers. The arrow is pointing way up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1358967' first='Jax' last='Pryor'], 6-4, 240, Woodbine:</strong> Pryor jumps into the rankings for the first time as our No. 8 O-Lineman. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14715908/657a762f02b1850aa4a5409b">sophomore highlight video</a> reveals a really interesting prospect with size, athleticism and an edge. There's a clip with him lining up at D-End in a three-man front, where he slides into coverage and picks off a pass. It certainly confirmed he has agility and that he can move. On offense, he thrives in the running game, utlilizing leverage, and showing power from his base and upper body. It will be fun to see what he can do as he adds more strength and sharpens his technique. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1250804' first='Calan' last='Peters'], 6-4, 280, Okoboji: </strong>The powerful Peters debuts in the rankings as the No. 14 offensive lineman and at 57th overall in the cycle. He lists his bench press (280), 185-pound bench reps (13), squat (400), deadlift (425) and clean (225) on his Hudl game, where you will also find his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17972929/653c5e920c5e68041085297b">sophomore highlight video</a>. On it we see a physically dominant center that overwhelms defenders trying to get through and/or around him. And he's more than a big body. He slides his feet well and illustrates solid technique, including hand placement. Some guys make big leaps from their sophomore to junior seasons, and Peters looks like one who could. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->