PRZMN Small-School OL to Watch in 2026

Despite their status as oft-overlooked teams due to their smaller size and lower-level competition they take on, many small schools boast some impressive prospects that border on realistic D2 and even D1 prospects, particularly with the big boys on the trenches that emerge out of these small schools and look like D1-caliber blockers of the future. Today, we take a look at 6 small-school OL across MN to watch out for in 2026!    A powerful Center for the Bulldogs, [player_tooltip player_id='1569588' first='Billy' last='Durbin'] has been a singular force in the middle of the trenches. A potent blocker who plays low, stays active with the hands, and sustains a high motor through the whistle, Durbin was consistently driving defenders backward on his tape, excelling as a run blocker while also showcasing solid lateral feet and movement to throw some blocks in motion. Durbin has proven himself as one of the most relentless blockers out there, and already holds 4 offers, including D2 offers from Bemidji State and Jamestown, and is bound to receive plenty more over the next few months.     A prospect who has more recently been on the rise in this state, Dominick Nahl has been progressing quickly as a small-school prospect who boasts the frame and physicality to hold his own on the trenches. Playing at Left Tackle, Nahl will have time to further grow into his frame, but his ability to maul defenders and plow them to the ground is clearly evident on his tape. With a quick first step off the snap, Nahl is able to win at the point of contact and often slam defenders into the ground without much resistance. Nahl's size and prowess as a run-blocker might better suit a move to Guard than at Tackle, but Nahl has proven himself as a legitimate name that cannot be overlooked going forward.     Brandon Long has been a very underrated prospect so far through the 2026 offseason. Long is a towering blocker with excellent size and frame that already showcases clear D2 and borderline D1 potential. Playing primarily at Left Tackle, Long has been an effective run-blocker, consistently driving his legs and pushing defenders backwards and engaging with a consistent motor that plays through the whistle. Long's presence played a key role with the Thunderbirds' success on the ground, averaging over 262 rushing yards per game last season. His prevalence in a run-heavy offense may better suit him as a Guard than at Tackle, but Long will remain a vital asset for their offense as they look to make another surprising deep run in the playoffs in 2026.     Coming out of Dawson-Boyd, [player_tooltip player_id='2158780' first='Kingston' last='Crosby'] has posed himself as a two-way threat on the trenches as an OT and a DT. Playing primarily at Right Tackle, Crosby showcases finesse and versatility both as a run and pass blocker, being able to kick out wide while maintaining a steady base, while also being able to effectively control defenders at the point of contact once he gets his hands on them. Crosby could certainly build some more weight to further bolster his status as a prospect, but his impressive skillset and work-ethic could make him a worthy prospect at the next level who's versatility could help him excel both at Tackle and in the interior.     A short and stout blocker who may not shine among the measurables, but what [player_tooltip player_id='1288329' first='Cameron' last='Forthun'] lacks in size, he makes up for in aggressiveness and sheer tenacity. Despite playing at the Right Tackle position, and going against some superior blockers in terms of size and athleticism, Forthun was able to hold his ground extremely well, often winning on the first step, and maintaining a very high motor finishing through his blocks and leaving little leeway for defenders to get through him. Forthun will remain an important piece for the Rebels' O-line as he enters his senior campaign.     Despite not having much individual film tape and playing primarily on the defensive line, Brian Christie showed plenty of promise on the other side of the trenches blocking for the offense, paving the way to help the Raiders' average over 172 rushing yards per game in 2025. Playing at Right Guard, Christie showed promise as a solid blocker who could effectively jam defenders at the point of attack, maintain his balance, and is able to turn and toss them away from the play-side to clear a lane for the ball-carrier. Christie will look to help keep the Raiders in the right direction after posting their highest single-season win total since 2019.

Despite their status as oft-overlooked teams due to their smaller size and lower-level competition they take on, many small schools boast some impressive prospects that border on realistic D2 and even D1 prospects, particularly with the big boys on the trenches that emerge out of these small schools and look like D1-caliber blockers of the future. Today, we take a look at 6 small-school OL across MN to watch out for in 2026!