Most Dominant OLs Heading Into the 2026 Season

*Grab a Prep Redzone subscription at a 30% discount with code Johnson30 just in time for the season*   The offensive line is very arguably the most impactful piece to a high school program. Through the years I have seen plenty of teams exceed expectations because they had the monsters up front clearing the way and helping guys look even better than they were. When you can roll out a group of five athletes who work as one unit, understand their assignments, and have the raw talent to move dudes then you have the possibility to pile up wins. The 2026 season is going to bring us one of, if not the best, collection of OL units that we have ever seen in a single season. There are so many groups that are going to take over games and push their teams deep into the playoffs. Continue reading to dive into the best of the best units and the players who make them up.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Germantown</h2>   The Germantown OL is the epitome of what a high school coach could hope for. The unit will feature two Power 4 commits and a third OL who holds an FBS offer at this time. The group starts with Wake Forest commit and LT [player_tooltip player_id='1620317' first='Brady' last='Moranski']. A very long, athletic, and quickly filling out prospect. The kid checks the boxes of a blindside protector with his ability to play light on his feet, but still be able to set an anchor or drive DL off the line in the run game. The cornerstone at center is senior [player_tooltip player_id='1228379' first='Carter' last='Gordon']. Carter is a massive 6'5" 305 lbs lineman who can wipe away DTs in a hurry. He also has the feet to be able to slide out and fill in at OT when needed. On the right side we have OL1 in the state, Wisconsin Badgers commit, and incoming senior [player_tooltip player_id='1335688' first='Cole' last='Reiter']. Cole checks every single box. Length and size, violent power, range to be able to attack level two and mirror pass rushers. The heavy handed senior is going to punish a lot of DL this fall. Joining those three monsters is OG [player_tooltip player_id='2004962' first='Jax' last='Barenz']. Jax is a talented athlete in his own right. The 6'1" 255 lbs junior brings explosive quickness to the interior and can turn that quickness into power. Jax is a kid who is always winning the leverage battle too. We will have to see who wins that other OG spot in Week 1.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sussex Hamilton</h2>   It isn't very often that a high school team can have bookend tackles that are both 6'6" and 270-290 lbs, but that is the luxury that Sussex Hamilton finds themselves in. Even more rare is the fact that those tackles are twin brothers and Wisconsin Badgers commits. Hunter and [player_tooltip player_id='1335691' first='Reece' last='Mallinger'] are studs on the OL. They have both made consistent leaps in development and growth year over year, getting me excited for what is to come from them this fall. The duo bring the ability to maul DL. They are so quick out of their stance and instantly turn that athleticism into power on contact. I love the way they can bully guys and set the tone with their physicality.   From there were are going to see several new contributors guard to guard. A couple athletes to keep an eye out for include Cullen Coppersmith, a 6'3" 270 lbs 2028, Ben Tharp, a 6' 265 lbs 2028, and Peter Haveman, a 6' 225 lbs 2027. Whoever wins the jobs are going to pair with the Mallinger twins to make a very impactful unit.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Racine Case</h2>   Racine Case is returning a loaded and experienced OL that has so many big games under their belt as a unit. Leading the way we have OL [player_tooltip player_id='1226881' first='Trenton' last='Harris']. The Liberty football commit is so explosive, agile, and violent. He has built his career around excellent technique and over the years his strength has grown to match the technique making him a very dominant prospect. Alongside him on the OL will be [player_tooltip player_id='1084834' first='Nathan' last='Wade']. The incoming senior is another explosive lineman who can fire off the line and move men in a hurry. The big man is a nimble OL that you can trust on an island vs speed. On the interior we should see plenty of [player_tooltip player_id='1226973' first='Alontae' last='Morris']. Morris is a 6' 280 lbs 2027 that is hard to get off his spot and his leverage has given him the ability to move guys off the line in the run game. A 2028 to keep an eye on in the group is [player_tooltip player_id='1570930' first='Malik' last='Collins']. This is another stout athlete who thrives when he can get hands on and overpower his opponent. Rounding out the group of five that I would project to start is 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='2124836' first='Anthony' last='Anzalone']. The incoming sophomore already was able to earn starts as a freshman where he proved to have the strength and athleticism needed to win consistently. I believe Anthony should be the most improved coming back this season, so look for him to establish himself as one of the top kids in his class on the OL.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West De Pere</h2>   Another roster that is going to field a duo of FBS commits at OT is the Phantoms of West De Pere. The reigning D2 State Champs had a really strong OL helping them to bring home the gold ball, and in 2026 we will see three key members returning. Leading the way is [player_tooltip player_id='1226880' first='David' last='Provost']. The NIU commit is a 6'5" 290 lbs monster who has steadily gotten more and more dominant as he has grown over the years. He now is a kid who can maul basically every opponent he faces. On the opposite side we have [player_tooltip player_id='1412712' first='Sam' last='Schmidt']. Sam has been one of the best when it comes to the combo of length and mobility. The Western Michigan commit has the size, range, and flexibility to play OT at the next level. Joining them and anchoring the unit at center is the 6' 305 lbs 2027 Keydren Diaz. The big fella is well built to anchor the OL. He creates a secure pocket to step up into with his powerful anchor and in the run game we see that he can bury DTs.   From there the Phantoms will have to find two new guards. Potential candidates are [player_tooltip player_id='1923968' first='Jackson' last='Johnson'], a 6'4" 318 lbs 2028, Grant Van De Hei, a 6' 302 lbs 2027, [player_tooltip player_id='2126256' first='Logan' last='Miller'], a 6'3" 343 lbs 2028, and Zane Heimerl, a 6'1" 305 lbs 2027.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Appleton North</h2>   Appleton North is an OL unit that will be riding the benefits of plenty of senior leadership and experience on the OL. 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1620333' first='Curtis' last='Leopold'] leads the way and is going to be a tone setter this season. The big man is a freight train of power. His highlights show an OL who can literally run through blocks and flatten opponents. Another senior is [player_tooltip player_id='1698773' first='Maxwell' last='Hicks']. The 6'5" 280 lbs OL rag dolls DL with his power. His instant power is going to pile up the pancakes for him this fall. The unit will also feature senior [player_tooltip player_id='2169720' first='Adam' last='Greenslade'], a 6'6" 290 lbs OL. Adam perfectly fits with the rest of this unit and the offense. He is going to overwhelm DL and drive the line of scrimmage downfield to clear paths for the running game.   The Lightning will be working in a new duo on the interior this fall, but there seems to be a few able candidates for the jobs. Julian Johnson is a 6'3" 240 lbs 2027, and [player_tooltip player_id='2238228' first='Zander' last='Osorio'] is a 6'3" 285 lbs 2028 to keep a close eye on this fall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Catholic Memorial</h2>   It is very impressive to see Catholic Memorial once again showing up in a Top Units article. They have already been apart of the DB, RB, and WR articles. Now add in an experienced OL and we have a team that even though it is a mid-sized school, has the talent to be one of the best in the entire state. That OL is made up of senior Max Erchull. The 6' 270 lbs lineman is quick from tackle to tackle and has the range to be able to pull and then bulldoze DL out of gaps. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1620212' first='Hunter' last='Wagner'] mans the RT position. The 6'2" 285 lbs lineman is a physically dominant OL. When he clamps those strong hands onto his opponent you don't see them escape very often and Wagner has the power to then take them wherever he needs. Incoming junior [player_tooltip player_id='1284796' first='Carter' last='Fromstein'] rounds out the experience on the unit. The 6'3" 270 lbs 2028 is the team's left tackle. He fits the mold of a dominant mauler. Quick out of his stance, delivers a massive initial punch, and from there will always look to finish his man to the ground.   The unit will be looking for two new names at their guard positions. Potential candidates include Lyric Newbauer, a 6'3" 240 lbs 2027, Colby Prosen, a 6' 240 lbs 2028, and [player_tooltip player_id='1251532' first='Kyle' last='Johnston'], a 6'3" 240 lbs 2027 who also plays on the DL a ton.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pewaukee</h2>   Pewaukee is a team that has always been built around the trenches and overall toughness and physicality. The Pirates fit that mold in 2025, and they are equipped to do it again in 2026. The Pirates return a trio of outstanding OL recruits. Two of which, the seniors, are committed to Big Ten programs. Leading the way is senior [player_tooltip player_id='1226910' first='Jack' last='Tabbert']. The explosive lineman is a two way contributor with his speed and violent power. The 2027 is committed to play OL at Wisconsin following this season. Joining him is senior [player_tooltip player_id='1226887' first='Cade' last='Reikowski']. Cade is a mammoth of a man with equal power to destroy DL. He will be continuing his career at Northwestern following him senior season. Joining them is 2028 Luke Spitzner. The 6'6" 260 lbs junior looks like he is the next one in the long line of dominant OL recruits to come out of Pewaukee. He has the size, moves really well, and has the nasty, mean mentality that the Pewaukee OL always plays with.   From there the Pirates will need two new contributors. Lucky for them the cupboards are far from bare. Options include Tyrese Mburu, a 5'10" 245 lbs 2027, Michael Tallinger, a 6'4" 300 lbs 2028, Bobby Edwards, a 6' 290 lbs OL/DL, and Jake Rodgers, a 6'3" 265 lbs 2029.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arrowhead</h2>   Arrowhead has built quite the depth on their OL and have done a great job of fielding a talented starting group, but also getting that next wave of talent ready to go and experienced. While the defending D1 State Champs do graduate four seniors they also have several kids ready to step up. The returning starter in the group is left tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1593092' first='Zach' last='Longrie']. The 6'1" 255 lbs senior is a quick and physical lineman who gets to his man quickly and with a low pad level to try and win the leverage battle. The 2027 will be teaming up with South Dakota commit [player_tooltip player_id='1620170' first='Sam' last='Cheever']. The massive prospect has elite size, length, and strength for the OL position. Look for 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1627975' first='Roman' last='Holtz'] to play a ton this season and punish DL with his overwhelming power. [player_tooltip player_id='1288179' first='Carson' last='McCoy'] is another name to keep an eye on. While he is undersized, the 2028 leans on his quickness to always have the right leverage and body positioning to win reps.   That won't be enough for a starting lineup, though. So the Warhawks will be looking for more help. That list of athletes who could step up includes Boston Oberst (6'1" 250 lbs, 2028), [player_tooltip player_id='1624506' first='Daniel' last='Holmes'] (6'1" 265 lbs, 2027). Tommy Wallace (6'5" 245 lbs, 2028) Drew and Jack Bement (2028s), and/or Sam Betz (6' 255, 2027).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Waterford</h2>   Waterford is another team in this list who is going to have their strength on the roster matchup with how they play perfectly. The Wolverines are a team that relies on the run game and dominance up front. Lucky for them the Wolverines return their powerful RB1 and an impressive four of their five OL from last season. The unit is led by Wake Forest commit [player_tooltip player_id='1227023' first='Peyton' last='Schuster']. The massive OT has the powerful frame and athletic lower body needed to thrive in the trenches at the FBS level. Uncommitted senior [player_tooltip player_id='1227022' first='Gage' last='Rooney'] is a massive prospect who is built to win with his power when he can get hands on. Aleksander Goronja is an undersized OL but he seems to always be in the right spot to make a key block. Finally, Adrian Pye will be back for his senior season and ready to bulldoze DTs from his OG spot.   With all that talent returning, all that is left to fill in is the center position where the Wolverines graduated their starter. There are a few linemen who will be battling for playing time on the roster including Cullen Ludwin (5'9" 245 lbs, 2028), Jayden Shoemaker (6' 260, 2028), and Landon Bormann (5'10" 245 lbs, 2027).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MH/B</h2>   Mount Horeb/Barneveld is going to be an OL with a lot of starters returning. It looks like they will have four of their five starters back for the 2026 season. Leading the way is NIU commit, [player_tooltip player_id='1620399' first='Evan' last='Leibfried']. Evan brings a prototypical OT frame with the footwork and power needed to thrive at the FBS level. Fellow 2027s Michael Powell and Kyle Kasubaski will also be back clearing out the running lanes for their new feature RB and protecting their new QB. 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2146268' first='Gavin' last='Reynolds'] is a name to know for the incoming junior class. He is a fluid athlete who is able to win with leverage and positioning.   There are plenty of kids ready to win that final starting slot. An OL among that race is Wyatt Bush (6'3" 240 lbs, 2028). Also in the running is Dilyn Randle (6'1" 240, 2027), Jack Koenig (6'1" 270, 2028), Geoffrey Lawrence (5'10" 250, 2028), and Ashton Etmanczyk (5'11" 245, 2028).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Verona</h2>   We wrap up these elite OL units with a look at the Verona Wildcats. They are another team with a trio of returning starters and they also have plenty of up and coming depth behind that group ready to step up. Leading the unit is Wisconsin Badgers commit [player_tooltip player_id='1515864' first='Ethan' last='McIntosh']. The 6'7" 250 lbs senior has an elite frame that is steadily filling out. The 2027 OT shows that he is a great athlete and has the flexibility to be able to still win with leverage. Joining him is incoming senior Issac Genin. The 2027 is a small OL, but the kid is really good at using his quickness to wall off the DL. On the OT opposite McIntosh is 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2112364' first='Max' last='Crimmings']. Max is a long and lean OL recruit who is coming off a strong summer where he demonstrated his quickness and ability to surprise with the power he could bring to the trenches.   The group that is battling for playing time includes rising 2029 OL [player_tooltip player_id='2124833' first='Myles' last='Manning'], Julian Olivos (6' 225, 2028), Finn Moe (6'3" 235 lbs, 2028), and [player_tooltip player_id='1741210' first='Zander' last='Hamoonga'] (6'1" 250 lbs, 2027).

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