PRZIA 2029s on the Trenches to Watch in 2026

A handful of freshmen usually find an immediate role on their respective teams each season, but it's very hard for linemen to break out as freshmen, due to size discrepancies and the heavily demanding energy required for the position. However, there were a handful of names that immediately found a role on the O-line for their teams and have proven their worth to be long-term fixtures for their teams. We take a look today at 6 O-linemen from Iowa for the Class of 2029 that should continue to excel on the trenches in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='2123508' first='Adrien' last='Collins'] was an immediate standout on the Dragons' O-line that wasn't afraid to play their younger talent despite competing at the 5-A level. A strong pull-guard who is able to move well in space and maintain his balance while bending on his breaks to block a faster D-Lineman, Collins is just as capable in holding his own as a stabilized blocker who jams his opponents well and is able to drive them backward, helping provide plenty of holes for their run game. Collins boasts outstanding size and physique for his age, which opens the door now to refine more vital traits for his position, including his speed, which could pay huge dividends and make him that much more dangerous at the position.     Another potent interior-lineman that boasts quality size for his age to excel on the trenches, Farley may cement his role as the centerpiece for the Cougars' O-line in 2026. Kennedy has proven agile, being able to maintain his balance as defenders try to toss him aside, while also being able to break into the second line of defense to make a block downfield. A flexible blocker who can start both at Guard and Center, Farley plays with a chip on his shoulder and has an impressive edge going against older, more experienced defenders, and Farley could end up becoming a team captain for the Cougars entering his sophomore campaign.     Assumption boasts a potential gem in the makings on the trenches in Charrlie Azzaline. While he's a bit smaller at the moment for the Guard position, he's proven agile and effective as a pull blocker, exploding at the point of attack, and maintaining a consistently chugging motor through the end of each play. Azzaline has proven versatile in both run-blocking and pass protection, showcasing great footwork and strong hands going against some tough competition. With some bulk over the next few seasons, there's no telling how much more dangerous Azzaline will be controlling the trenches.     Playing as a bookend on both side of the trenches for the Tigers in his freshman season, [player_tooltip player_id='1720302' first='Ben' last='Smith'] flashed a lot of upside to hold his ground as he saw most of his playing time offensively at Right Tackle. Smith is quick and agile, being able to widen his stance and shuffle his feet well to stay in front of his defender without giving up much leeway for them to gain leverage, while also flashing an impressive amount of natural power and bend to drive and twist defenders to the ground. Smith should become a regular starter for Gilbert in 2026 that could see prominent playing time on both sides of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='2079359' first='Lincoln' last='Walsworth'] is no stranger to our system, having been a prominent name from the Class of 2029 that has garnered heavy attention from our scouts over the course of this offseason. A sturdy OT that can play on either end of the line, Walsworth possesses great physicality and mechanics for his age, Walsworth has been steadily improving throughout the offseason, shining through multiple clinics and camps, and recently has already received his first D1 offer from Iowa State. An impressive feat already as a freshman, Walsworth is bound to become a huge OL name to keep an eye on over the next few seasons.     Rounding out this list back where we started in Johnston, [player_tooltip player_id='2081676' first='Beck' last='Iles'] has flashed as a bookend for the Dragons' O-line, possessing the skillset to handle the Left Tackle position very well. Despite possessing limited tape, Iles showcased an impressive and intriguing high-energy motor when he takes on defenders, being able to constantly reset his hands and drive defenders backwards, flashing agility and quickness to immediately gain the upper hand against his opponents. Iles is another very promising blocker who possesses great fundamentals while showing room to grow into the position, giving the Dragons a very strong OL unit to build upon going forward.

A handful of freshmen usually find an immediate role on their respective teams each season, but it's very hard for linemen to break out as freshmen, due to size discrepancies and the heavily demanding energy required for the position. However, there were a handful of names that immediately found a role on the O-line for their teams and have proven their worth to be long-term fixtures for their teams. We take a look today at 6 O-linemen from Iowa for the Class of 2029 that should continue to excel on the trenches in 2026!