Trench Talk: Best Offensive Line Units

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Teams that win championships usually have good offensive lines and that's the case for the programs mentioned below. Inside we breakdown who has the best O-line units for the 2026 season and which schools may have a leg up on the competition due to their work in the trenches. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(All schools are listed in alphabetical order)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Alcoa Tornadoes - Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top O-linemen: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090696' first='Caden' last='Gang']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537170' first='Noah' last='Carnegie']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tornadoes will have a semi-new look up front this year, meaning some new starters will be implemented but if everyone can come together, Alcoa might once again have one of better O-line units in the state. Several key performers are headed to college but the Tornadoes return two significant pieces in Watts and Ferguson that should set the tone. Watts in particular could be one of the better guard prospects from our TN2026 class. They will be joined up front by two future studs in recent transfer addition Gang and up and coming stud in Carnegie. Finding a replacement for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='344895' first='Colton' last='Moore'] </strong>at center will be key towards shoring up things up front but the rest of the line looks strong and a potentially formidable unit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Baylor Red Raiders - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top O-linemen: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133950' first='Cash' last='Freeman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1753840' first='Maddox' last='McClure']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704258' first='Dante' last='Wade']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182865' first='Peyton' last='Yother']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ever since Coach Kimrey came on with Baylor as the head coach, the Red Raiders have been one of the best in the state up front and I expect that to continue for the 2026 season. The front five will look a little different next Fall with several key players leaving but Baylor should still be quite good, led by two seniors in Freeman and McClure. One of the best center prospects in Tennessee is Freeman while McClure provides athleticism and versatility. The top guy on this line however is Wade, who could be the top O-line prospect for the TN2028 class. He should handle the blindside this year but finding another tackle opposite Wade is something I'm sure the staff is looking into. Yother has yet to make his mark but the 2026 season could be his time to do so.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1968996,"width":"312px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501511939105349","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/DanteOT.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1968996" style="aspect-ratio:1.501511939105349;width:312px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor OL [player_tooltip player_id='1704258' first='Dante' last='Wade']. Photo from Baylor athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Brentwood Academy Eagles - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1531280' first='Rance' last='Brown']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1700869' first='Xavier' last='Yelder']</strong>, <strong>Liam Titus</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704253' first='Ben' last='Brooks']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1752329' first='Jack' last='Chapman']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Keep eyes out for Brentwood Academy this Fall as legit title contenders and if they end up earning a “Gold Ball”, their offensive line will play a major role. The Eagles might have one of the better tackle tandems in the state with the off-season addition of Brown and the return of Yelder. Those two are future P4, D1 guys but for the unit as a whole to become one of the better units in the state, others like Titus, Brooks and rising sophomore Chapman must step forward into leading roles. There is still some work to do up front for the Eagles staff and I wouldn't be surprised to see someone new added to the line before we get to summer practice but I like the upside here. If this unit comes together like I think they can, Brentwood Academy may be back to Chattanooga this Fall and this time, come home with a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. CPA Lions - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158911' first='Isaiah' last='Bryant']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905243' first='Skyler' last='Smith']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you have three big men that have the potential to be Top 20 guys from one recruiting class, you have a chance to put one of the better O-line units on the field. That's the case for the Lions in 2026 as they have three stalwarts in Hale, Bryant and Smith that should all be ranked inside our Top 20 O-lineman and all three have a chance at making it to the P4 playing stage. Now I do have to say, this unit had some struggles last year but I think experience together and an off-season of work can make those three and this unit much better. The staff will need to find two others to fill out the front five. Hale and Bryant should handle tackle while Smith is the center, so finding two guards to maul inside will be critical towards the Lions offense having a successful 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2141738,"width":"241px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.739004738525754","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/ibryant.webp?w=756" alt="" class="wp-image-2141738" style="aspect-ratio:0.739004738525754;width:241px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Ensworth Tigers - D2-Class AAA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906277' first='Tanner' last='Tapp']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1706374' first='Mason' last='Seely']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599119' first='Eli' last='Coles']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- By the end of the 2026 season, Ensworth might prove to have “the” best offensive line in the state but there is a lot of work to do over the coming months to earn that status. What the Tigers have going for them is cohesion. All five guys mentioned above gained significant experience playing together last season and that cohesion should bode well this Fall season. The star up front is Baker, who is contending for the top lineman in the state but another stud to keep track of is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles']</strong>. The Tigers sophomore is developing nicely where he could be in contention for the top guard prospect in the TN2028 class. Tapp is undersized but a gritty performer that moves well. The other Coles is quite good too and might become a top level center. I like the makeup here with these five lineman and their potential to become an elite TNHSFB O-line unit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Houston Mustangs - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2045254' first='Jaiden' last='Strother']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2005483' first='Carridan' last='Matthews']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1702107' first='Steven' last='Anderson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you are looking for an under the radar O-line unit to know about and follow for the 2026 season, it could be the Mustangs. Last year wasn't pleasant as Houston had a down year but it gave some young guys experience, including the O-linemen. Strother is a hidden gem that may have some of the best pure athleticism up front from his TN2026 class. Matthews is a solid piece in the line that should go both ways. He could man the center or either guard position this Fall. Anderson is a future stud that may play himself into being one of the best interior O-linemen for his sophomore class. There do appear to be a few spots that need to be filled but Houston has three nice pieces in Strother, Matthews and Anderson to build around and potentially become one of the better O-line units from the greater Memphis area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Nash. Christian Eagles - D2-Class A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567255' first='Colin' last='Romero']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866728' first='Matthew' last='Newberry']</strong>, <strong>Clay Klotz</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193137' first='Javon' last='Tidwell']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141245' first='Briley' last='Adkins']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's very possible that NCS had the most dominating offensive line from the 2025 season and most of those pieces up front return this Fall. Now the competition they faced and will see isn't the best but the Eagles are good in the line with a few guys that should have college futures. Two guys in Newberry and Tidwell are two-way players that fit better in college at defensive tackle but are both key pieces on offense. The stud up front is Romero. He is coming off a breakout junior season where he earned our PRZTN D2-Class A offensive lineman of the year. Klotz is an all-region performer. The Eagles might have a change at quarterback next season but whoever takes the reins will be helped by an experienced offensive line.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1598770,"width":"229px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8514328511175057","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/106-Colin-Romero-rotated-e1736531464910.jpg?w=871" alt="" class="wp-image-1598770" style="aspect-ratio:0.8514328511175057;width:229px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Oakland Patriots - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates']</strong>, <strong>Preston Rose</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1066169' first='Marland' last='Mixon']</strong>, <strong>Michael Ekezie</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571078' first='Maliek' last='Kirby']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The defending 6A state champs should yet again be in the mix to contend for a state title in 2026 and they should be able to do so with the help from a strong offensive front. The Patriots offensive line is built more around technique, the little details, so they won't have a lot of star power but they have a solid front five that could become dominant by the end of the Fall season. Cates is the team's top lineman and one who is building steam on the recruiting trail. Rose is another veteran returning in the interior. The other three will be young but all show talent and college potential. Mixon, Ekezie and Kirby are athletic guys that can become high level prospects with added weight and continued work. I like the upside for this Oakland O-line to become one of the best they have ever under Coach Creasy and his staff.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Page Patriots - Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570544' first='Preston' last='Ashmore']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580776' first='Daniel' last='Callahan']</strong>, <strong>Frankie Patruno</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For several years now, the Page football program consistently puts together one of the better O-line units in the state and I expect their 2026 version to be strong yet again. Now I do think it will be a work in progress with some new names popping up or possible additions but by the end of the 2026 season, the Pats front five should be quite good. They have two strong seniors to anchor the line in Ashmore and Coffman. Both those guys are destined for the next level and could become breakthrough guys this Fall. Callahan is a name to watch as someone that steps forward and begins to show next level potential. Patruno could be one of the new names that develops into a starter. I'm interested to see how this group forms together but the Pats should be solid yet another year in the offensive line.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2141740,"width":"259px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/pashmore.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2141740" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Southwind Jaguars - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Anytime you are good in the offensive line, you have a chance at competing for championships and Southwind is legit in the trenches with three of the better senior prospects in the state. The Jaguars were strong on the line last year but I expect them to be even better for the 2026 season. Keefer could be “the” top O-line prospect coming out of the TN2026 class, who has the potential to handle tackle or guard in college. Campbell is a true guard and a big, athletic mauler that might be able to play on the left side. Ratliff is a two-way guy that I feel has a bright future on the offensive line. He is still developing, growing his body and learning but the upside is real. If the staff can find two more good pieces to plug alongside the other, Southwind might have the best offensive line in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Other Top O-line Units&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood: [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'], [player_tooltip player_id='1651714' first='Patrick' last='McCammon'], [player_tooltip player_id='1286234' first='Tommy' last='Barksdale']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairley: [player_tooltip player_id='1893082' first='Hamilton' last='Washington']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA: [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'], [player_tooltip player_id='2128042' first='Kyre' last='Vaught'], Woods Hammond, Willis Beard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hendersonville: [player_tooltip player_id='1602208' first='Colt' last='Patterson'], Teagan Parizek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shelbyville: [player_tooltip player_id='1662928' first='Blake' last='Leigh'], [player_tooltip player_id='2035634' first='Wiley' last='Floyd']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1689798,"width":"349px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5014929617517419","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/akeefer.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1689798" style="aspect-ratio:1.5014929617517419;width:349px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Southwind OL [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] (#56). Photo by Southwind Athletics,</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->