PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update: OL Breakdown

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   Class of 2026, YOU are now on the board! With the 2025 class all but wrapped up, it's time to fully turn our attention to the junior class (incoming seniors), who will now be planning their spring/summer visits and deciding which schools they want to camp with. To kick start this changing of the tide, we rolled out our updated Class of 2026 rankings, with over 400 ranked players and 100+ players listed on our watchlist.   Next up on my positional breakdowns are the big-maulers on the front line. Yes, the always important offensive linemen who work hard to keep their QBs upright and make sure that the RBs have big running lanes to fly through. This group is shaping up to be another elite one in the state known for producing high-caliber OL. Waterloo West's Carson Nielsen claims the title of OL1 in this update and checks in as the #3 overall prospect in the class. Carson, the 6'7", 285-pound lineman, has already announced his commitment to the in-state Hawkeyes claiming their success at the position as a big factor. Next up is Waukee's Andrew Hine who has started to pick up steam on the recruiting trail recently with D1 offers from Army, North Dakota State, Lindenwood, and Northern Illinois.   Here is the full list of the linemen on our rankings and watchlist. Below, I highlighted five under-the-radar offensive linemen who are set to blow up!    You can find the full rankings update <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='401668' first='Bryce' last='Kock'] <a href="https://x.com/kock_bryce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@kock_bryce)</a>, West Lyon - 6'3" 285 lbs   The West Lyon offensive line has a few returning players who have the potential to be highly-regarded recruits. One of those is [player_tooltip player_id='401668' first='Bryce' last='Kock'], who was a key blocker during the Wildcats' run to claim the 2A state championship. Watching Bryce's junior tape, my biggest takeaway is that he is a technically sound right tackle who can execute in pass protection and run-blocking at a high level. His physicality pops on tape with the explosiveness he shows when firing out of his stance to his aggressive jab that seems to stun at the point of contact. Great punch with consistent hand placement. Kock uses his overpowering leg drive to force defenders off the ball and out of running lanes for his RBs. He does a great job keeping his pads and center of gravity low to win the leverage battle with his opponent. Nice lateral burst and footwork in his dropsets allow him to quickly get to his spot and anchor down against pass rushers. Bryce also earned several post-season honors for his play on the defensive side of the ball, so there's a good chance he will get offers on both sides. Bryce currently holds an offer from Northwestern College, and expect more teams to hop on board after a solid summer camp cycle.    [player_tooltip player_id='1358967' first='Jax' last='Pryor'] <a href="https://x.com/PryorJax" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@PryorJax)</a>, Woodbine - 6'4" 240 lbs   Talk about popping on tape! Woodbine's [player_tooltip player_id='1358967' first='Jax' last='Pryor'] is a dominating presence in the trenches with high upside on offense and defense. When watching Jax's tape, I was very impressed from the jump with a bone-jarring block in which he performed a pulling block that resulted in him running through the defender's chest and then continued downfield looking for more action. This was the constant theme with Jax's tape, as he was consistently dominant at the point of attack, playing with powerful hands and a strong base to force defenders off the ball. Pryor had some great down blocks in which he used his elite lateral quickness and burst off the line to blow up interior DL and open up massive gaps inside. Excellent finisher with several nasty pancake blocks in his tape. Very good overall athlete who is still barely tapping into his massive upside.    [player_tooltip player_id='1250804' first='Calan' last='Peters'] <a href="https://x.com/CalanPeters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CalanPeters)</a>, Okoboji - 6'4" 295 lbs   Sometimes having a smart, reliable center anchoring your offensive line could make a world of difference and that's the difference that junior [player_tooltip player_id='1250804' first='Calan' last='Peters'] was for the Okoboji offense. Calan is a strong, physical center with excellent size at 6'4" and 295 pounds combined with solid lateral quickness and short area burst. Starting with his snaps, he quickly gets the ball out and delivers a consistent, accurate snap. He then quickly returns his attention to his opponent, where he can fire out of his stance and attack with a powerful punch at the point of contact. Peters' football IQ and instincts allow him to pick up on blitzes and pass off defenders to take on additional defenders in the second level. Very lengthy reach with an 81" wingspan.    [player_tooltip player_id='1242824' first='Gavin' last='Holt'] <a href="https://x.com/holt_gavin65" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@holt_gavin65)</a>, Carroll - 6'2" 240 lbs   The theme here is big men who can move very well, and that trend continues here with Carroll's [player_tooltip player_id='1242824' first='Gavin' last='Holt']. Gavin proved to be a very mobile guard who can perform pulling blocks, clear second-level defenders, and has the motor to keep looking for more work downfield. Holt plays with clean footwork as he works through his block and maintains a sturdy, wide base when engaged with defenders. He also flashed great block positioning, showing that he can turn and manipulate defenders at will to create even small creases for his RB to find. Good pad level when engaged. In pass-protection, Gavin flashed smart, effective use of hands to quickly break off the defender's attempts to get inside his frame. Holt was equally impressive on the defensive side of the ball, displaying a twitchy get-off and active, violent hands.    [player_tooltip player_id='1240432' first='Owen' last='Schertz'] <a href="https://x.com/owenschertz2026">(@owenschertz2026)</a>, Bettendorf - 6'5" 340 lbs   Bettendorf's [player_tooltip player_id='1240432' first='Owen' last='Schertz'] is a player who I think has some raw potential that could develop into a very special prospect. From checking Owen's X account, it's clear that he's putting in the work this offseason to improve his game, and it shows in quicker feet and improved lateral burst. Schertz already possesses the size that projects to the next level at 6'5" and 340 pounds and is now hammering down the details of being a lineman. Watching a few of Owen's game clips, I was very impressed with his mobility and how well he's able to execute pulling blocks, building up lots of momentum before exploding through his opponent's chest and sending them flying into the dirt. Schertz has experience playing both left and right tackle, so you can plug him in at either of those interior spots and expect him to transition seamlessly.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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