MN Class 5A Top OL to Watch in 2026

Class 5A MN boasts a multitude of big-name starters on the O-line that have already garnered attention for their leadership and prowess on the trenches, having cemented themselves among the strongest big-bodied blockers within their respective graduating classes in the state. We take a look at 8 OL in Class 5A MN to keep an eye on in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1564023' first='Sam' last='Dulas'] was the face of the trenches for the Huskies. His strength is impressive to note, maxing out with a 450 lb squat and a 330 lb bench, and that strength was key in blocking for their run game which averaged over 167 rushing yards per game last season. A mauling Right Tackle who explodes off the ball, shows great knee bend and a wide base, and consistently being able to take his defenders down to the ground. A stout, hard-nosed blocker who excels in driving defenders back, Dulas' is a raw, but very promising power blocker who continues to get stronger with each passing season.     Earning valuable playing time during his sophomore season, [player_tooltip player_id='1695510' first='Adrian' last='Miles'] has already shown he can hold his own extremely well, well enough to earn him the #1 ranking among the upcoming junior class in MN. Miles' production came mostly on the defensive side of the ball, though with the level of tenacity and physicality that he brings at DT, I wouldn't be surprised if Miles also gets an opportunity for reps on the O-line that could further boost his stock. Showing great balance, quick footwork, and strength at the point of attack, Miles has a real shot of becoming a two-way lineman entering his junior year, possibly one of the best in the state for that matter.     [player_tooltip player_id='1665762' first='Bennett' last='Johnson']'s is one of the best upside prospects in the making, boasting the size and frame to grow into a D1-priority target by the end of his senior season. Johnson's mechanics are a bit shaky at time, but the potential is there, possessing physicality and drive on tape, being able to break into the second level to block down the field, and showing good pad level on his blocks. Johnson is still a work in progress who could improve on his footwork and more consistent hands, but with some work over the offseason, Johnson could reach his ceiling at the perfect time in a pivotal senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1633468' first='Parish' last='Jackson'] was another standout blocker playing on a struggling offensive unit from the 5A conference last season. Jackson is one of the biggest Left Tackles in the conference, and his prowess on the line generated success even against double-teams. Jackson is most dangerous moving down the field for a block, and he plays hard through the whistle, so for some, it may be best to just get out of Jackson's way when he breaks into the second level. Jackson shows solid footwork in pass reps and is able to maintain a wide, but steady base when kicking out. Jackson has potential breaking through at either Tackle or Guard at the next level as one of the most well-rounded blockers in Minnesota right now.     Chanhassen underwent some major changes on the O-line over the offseason, but they should remain to be a formidable unit with the aid of one of their newest project players in [player_tooltip player_id='1535496' first='Parker' last='Sund'], who will look to add his name to Chanhassen's impressive group of linemen they have produced over the last few seasons. Sund didn't see a lot of playing time on varsity in his sophomore season, but there was a lot to like from his tape. A stout interior-lineman who may fit best at Center for the Storm, Sund is quick off the snap, drives his feet and uses his lower body well to push defenders back, along with solid balance and hand placement. Sund should continue to extend the success for the Storm's offense through the trenches.     Mankato East's offense took multiple steps forward in 2025, and with [player_tooltip player_id='1629940' first='Brady' last='Valberg'] holding down the Left Guard position for the Cougars, the offense proved to be one of the most efficient and well-balanced offenses in the conference. Valberg shows great hand-fighting ability, and he's able to generate leverage off through twists, drives, or simply catching defenders off balance while moving laterally, and it is not easy getting off of Valberg's blocks when he gets his hands on a defender. Valberg is a potent and versatile Guard that can block both the run and the pass very well, and he will remain a vital piece toward Mankato East's offense for one more season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1566344' first='Henry' last='Zuckweiler'] has become a steady force for the Millers' O-line, and he was a key reason why the Millers averaged over 237 rushing yards per game en route to an unexpected run to the state quarterfinal round. At Left Tackle, Zuckweiler shows good hands and balance taking on physical edge-rushers, and he's dangerous out in space, whether for a pull block or setting up a block down field on a screen, but when he's out in space making a block, it creates opportunities to get the most out of these shorter plays. Zuckweiler will look to help Washburn make another deep run in the 5A playoffs in his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1653199' first='Liam' last='Nessler'] is an unpolished prospect, but with that level of strength and athleticism he brings for the Red Scarlets, he has the makings of becoming a dominant force in the trenches. Positioned at Left Tackle, Nessler has impressive reach and length to gain leverage by making the first contact while also showing good hand-fighting skills and a desire to be play physical. Nessler could improve on controlling his kick steps and staying low off the snap, but there's quite a lot to like from his tape, and with extra work on his mechanics this offseason, Nessler should become a potent leader on the trenches for the Scarlets.

Class 5A MN boasts a multitude of big-name starters on the O-line that have already garnered attention for their leadership and prowess on the trenches, having cemented themselves among the strongest big-bodied blockers within their respective graduating classes in the state. We take a look at 8 OL in Class 5A MN to keep an eye on in 2026!