Making the jump from high school to the offensive trenches of Power 5 college football is no easy task. Offensive line units require size and strength among all five members, plus a certain level of cohesiveness. Carving out a role as a freshman is a challenge.
Easing into a primary backup role can be an ideal outcome and allow players like these top recruits to further develop physically and gain valuable experience. But we've seen recent prospects assume major roles -- and even starting spots -- right away. Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and Spencer Fano (Utah) are all examples of 2023 ESPN 300 prospects who made immediate impacts last year.
Sometimes it requires an elite prospect with a great blend of physical tools. Other times, it's a blend of ability combined with pressing team needs. Here is a look at the 10 best offensive line prospects in the 2024 class, and whether they have the tools to become immediate contributors, or are names to watch a little down the road.
Jordan Seaton, Colorado Buffaloes
ESPN 300 rank: 19
The only issue with Seaton's signing is that Colorado can't sign four more just like him. The Buffaloes fielded some of college football's top playmakers, including QB Shedeur Sanders and corner/receiver Travis Hunter, but the offensive line was a liability in coach Deion Sanders' first year in Boulder. Quick fixes along the line can be difficult, but Colorado entered the offseason intent on taking the necessary steps to upgrade the unit.
Colorado added Tyler Johnson and Justin Mayers via the transfer portal. Both have FBS experience and will likely seize starting roles. But truly strengthening an offensive line takes time and requires young prospects who can be developed. Seaton, the No. 1 offensive lineman in the 2024 class, is arguably one of the five most important singular signings across the sport. He made great strides his senior year, shedding unneeded weight and demonstrating excellent flexibility, agility and good tenaciousness.
Seaton will likely have a similar trajectory to Proctor, a five-star who started at left tackle for Alabama. Proctor struggled early but improved throughout the season. Seaton's path may be even more difficult considering he won't line up alongside several other five-star prospects like Proctor did.
Brandon Baker, Texas Longhorns
ESPN 300 rank: 40
Texas is poised to lose only one starter, right tackle Christian Jones, from a 2023 line that helped propel the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. Jones' replacement was likely already on Texas' roster. But replacing depth is key, especially considering the consistency the Longhorns enjoyed in 2023 is hard to come by. The best groups always have talent ready to plug in for upcoming departures.
That makes Baker's addition a huge win for Texas. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle played for one of the top high school programs in the country (Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California) and has great length, good feet and flexibility. While playing time might be limited in Year 1, Baker will only benefit from further time to develop physically and sharpen his technique. He has the tools to develop into one of Texas' next top offensive linemen and step into a bigger role in 2025.
Kam Pringle and Josiah Thompson, South Carolina Gamecocks
ESPN 300 rank: 49, 61
The Gamecocks' offense ranked among the worst nationally in rushing and sacks, suffering through a losing season in 2023. But signs of improvements are coming. Tree Babalade and Trovon Baugh, a pair of four-stars in 2023, started as true freshmen and return with the opportunity to blend ability with experience. Markee Anderson, another 2023 ESPN 300 lineman, flashed promise before suffering an injury. South Carolina also utilized the transfer portal to bring in additional help, but it's from a new round of touted freshmen linemen where the most help can be found in 2024.
Pringle and Thompson are also both in-state recruits. Pringle is massive, measuring at 6-foot-8, 330 pounds at one point. He is more than just a big body. Pringle has good feet, balance and can be effective climbing to the second level. He's listed as an offensive tackle but could slide inside to guard.
Thompson also has desired height and length, but with a leaner build and frame the Gamecocks can further develop. He also has good body quickness and excellent flexibility. Despite his 6-7 frame, he plays with good leverage. Of the two, Thompson might be slightly more prepared to play sooner.
At the very least, they'll immediately bolster depth. There could be some growing pains, but South Carolina has recruited well along the offensive line in the last two cycles. The Gamecocks have a strong group of young linemen with very promising upside who could eventually turn this unit into a strength -- and one of the best in the SEC.
JacQawn McRoy, Oregon Ducks
ESPN 300 rank: 55
Oregon enjoyed a great deal of consistency up front in 2023 and only center Jackson Powers-Johnson moved on from the Ducks' starting unit. The Ducks also landed Indiana transfer Matthew Bedford, one of the top linemen in the portal who arrives with valuable versatility. Those positive developments should allow the mammoth McRoy, who checks in at 6-foot-9, 365 pounds, a chance to get his feet wet.
Spending time with Oregon's strength program will allow McRoy to better maximize his mass. He could also benefit from improving his flexibility. However, the big man can engulf and push defenders around, and he can surprise opponents with his agility and body quickness despite his size. McRoy is an excellent signing for the Ducks, who held off Colorado down the stretch. Even if he doesn't make an immediate impact, he has the tools to step into a starting role when there's a greater need in 2025.
WHAT A PLAY by JacQawn Mcroy 😳
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) September 29, 2023
The future Oregon Duck showing off the moves‼️ #SCTop10@5star_shaq | @CCHSfootbal pic.twitter.com/omdaEVY3ij
Bennett Warren, Tennessee Volunteers
ESPN 300 rank: 73
Offensive line was a strength for the Vols last year. Despite losing some contributors either to eligibility or the transfer portal, the group has a chance to be strong again in 2024. Tennessee landed a potential starter from the portal in Lance Heard, a 2023 ESPN 300 lineman who arrived via LSU. The upperclassmen will likely carry most of the workload this season, but there's a greater need in 2025. This is where Warren really becomes a player to watch. He has elite length and coveted measurables, weighing in at 6-foot-8, 330 pounds last spring. Warren is a powerful player who creates movement while also maintaining good balance. He's a strong candidate to become Tennessee's starting right tackle once John Campbell Jr. departs after the season.
Michael Uini, Georgia Bulldogs
ESPN 300 rank: 84
The Bulldogs lost two key pieces, tackle Amarius Mims and center Sedrick Van Pran, to the NFL draft. They also saw several reserve linemen jump into the portal. But still return Xavier Truss and Tate Ratledge, two key members with starting experience, and brought in arguably the best offensive line recruiting class in the country this past cycle, signing four players ranked in the ESPN 300. Barring injuries or unexpected late transfers, no one from this talented freshman group should shoulder a big role in 2024. They do, however, immediately bolster depth and can help the Bulldogs prepare for more losses after the season.
Uini is the headliner at 6-foot-7, 325 pounds. Uini is a massive player and physically imposing player, built in a similar mold to Truss and could be developed to ultimately step into Truss' role after this season. Truss was a guard who stepped out to tackle when Mims dealt with injuries. Uini will likely find a home at guard but brings the same type of valuable versatility.
Grant Brix, Nebraska Cornhuskers
ESPN 300 rank: 90
While Brix might not make an initial impact, there might not be a player on this list with greater upside. At 6-foot-6, he has ideal height and length. He has a leaner build -- the Huskers list him at 285 pounds -- and would benefit from adding additional mass. He also needs to round out his game. On film, Brix is a flexible big man who moves very well. His high school program in Iowa, though, utilized a run-heavy scheme. Facing more equally talented competition could be a sizable jump. Brix could also benefit from additional development and pass protection reps. Nebraska also doesn't have a glaring need on the line, which should benefit Brix during his freshman season. Regardless, he possesses the physical tools to become an outstanding Power 5 offensive tackle and an anchor the for Huskers' unit for several seasons.
Guerby Lambert, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ESPN 300 rank: 94
The Fighting Irish have fielded several strong units in recent years, but they lose both starting tackles and their center entering 2024. Charles Jagusah, a top-10 tackle in the 2023 class, is poised to fill one of those spots after developing nicely last season and starting Notre Dame's bowl game. Like Jagusah, Lambert is a player to watch as the season unfolds. Lambert didn't enroll early, so he's unlikely to initially play a big role. His physical tools, length and flexibility could allow him to develop as the season progresses and offer the Fighting Irish quality depth. Lambert could be ready to step into a starting role either later in the year, or in 2025.
Casey Poe, Alabama Crimson Tide
ESPN 300 rank: 95
Despite the coaching turnover, Alabama still signed the No. 2 class in the country. Poe is one of several prospects to watch this fall. Alabama's offensive line will undergo change after losing tackle JC Latham to the NFL and center Seth McLaughlin to the transfer portal. Keep an eye on Poe in the battle to replace McLaughlin. A left tackle in high school, Poe projects to move inside. He's a candidate to play a role in 2024 because he's a good technician at this stage who blends good pad level with an aggressive play style. Poe was a multi-sport athlete who also excelled in field events in track. As the top-ranked interior lineman and an early enrollee, Poe will likely work his way into the two-deep right away given his ability and the opportunity for playing time. It wouldn't be a surprise if he fills the void at center right away.