Underrated Upperclassmen Offensive Linemen to Know for 2026

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.   Kicking off this new series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated offensive linemen who need some respect. All of the ones that I've selected are talented players who have earned starting jobs at their respective schools.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-21-2026-4-51-43-PM-crop-638x419-1769035965.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2110566" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Brentwood High School OL [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'].</figcaption></figure>   OT [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'] – Brentwood High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'] is an intriguing offensive line prospect who began his career as a tight end before transitioning to an offensive tackle. Since doing so, he's become an impressive prospect who has received offers from schools like Oklahoma State and Memphis.   He's a freak specimen, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 275 pounds with an 81-inch wingspan, 11-inch hands and a top speed of 22.4 mph.   The 2027 prospect is extremely lean and muscular, allowing him to retain much of his mobility and fluidity. Nabrotzky has good technique and excellent pad level, which allows him to win most of his reps.   He is a solid pass-pro guy, but needs to work on his anchor and first step. Those are really the only complaints that I can point out, which is highly impressive for somebody relatively new to the position.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/133-Caleb-Coffman-crop-732x481-1769036014.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2110567" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Page OL [player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   IOL [player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'] – Page High School   Rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'], a veteran offensive lineman from Page, is quietly one of the state's better interior players. He's a guy who's seen his fair share of playing time, including a good 2025 campaign where he was named 5A First Team All-Region 5.   Coffman needs to refine his body to maximize his potential. He's already very athletic for his size, but would be on another level with some work. The 2027 guard moves well, gets off the ball quickly, is excellent against the run and possesses the versatility to be used in multiple packages.   Coffman is somewhat of a raw player who needs to clean up certain parts of his game. However, he's a proven player with a high ceiling who would be a good addition to many colleges.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/120-Lane-Ferguson-crop-756x497-1769036079.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2110568" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Alcoa OL [player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   IOL [player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson'] – Alcoa High School   [player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson'] is one of the more underrated offensive linemen in the state, serving as a solid right guard for the 11-time defending state champion Alcoa Tornadoes.   The 2027 prospect is a bigger guy, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 270 pounds with a lean frame and plenty of strength.   It would be ideal for him to put on a bit more size, but he's extremely well-built and has done it the right way. He's solid in the run and pass game, but impresses more on run plays when he can get ahold of defenders and drive them to the next level.   He moves well and has nice technique, allowing him to be utilized on every down for Alcoa. Ferguson is one of my favorite upperclassmen and could be a breakout player in 2026.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-21-2026-4-56-53-PM-crop-401x263-1769036271.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2110570" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland OL [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] (#57).</figcaption></figure>   OT [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] – Oakland High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] transferred to Oakland High School this past season and was an excellent player as the starter for the 6A state champions. He's a bigger, but highly athletic player who has the potential to play everywhere on the offensive line outside of center.   The 2027 prospect stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 280 pounds with a nice 80-inch wingspan and a relatively lean frame. Cates is a solid pass-pro guy with good technique and a quick first step. However, he's an exceptional run blocker who opens up holes that a school bus could drive through.   He goes somewhat under the radar because he plays in an Oakland offense littered with future Division I stars, but Cates is one of the top offensive linemen, regardless of class.   I expect him to progress well and put up another great season in 2026.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-21-2026-5-01-01-PM-crop-967x635-1769036561.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2110574" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knoxville) OL [player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>   IOL [player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] – Grace Christian Academy (Knox)   [player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] from Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville is one of my favorite interior offensive linemen in the 2027 class. He's a massive man with outstanding strength and a great anchor that keeps everybody out of the backfield.   DeLong stands 6-foot-4 and weighs over 300 pounds with powerful hands, allowing him to be a force on the Rams' offensive front. He's solid in pass protection with good technique. But the rising senior is one of the best run blockers in the state due to his elite strength and size.   The offensive guard has certain limitations, but is an excellent player who will likely capture his third all-state award in his high school career next season.

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.