The job description of an offensive lineman isn’t pretty. Even with the resources of the Power Four, college football linemen are among the toughest dudes out there, seeing little relief and major responsibility, doing the heavy lifting for your offense.
You can’t run the football without first establishing a couple of veterans in the trenches, and the Big 12 title will depend heavily on which offensive line can provide the protection needed for those big plays. Last year’s champion, Texas Tech, and runner-up, BYU, have some of the best line play in the country, with each OL paying the way for 12 wins. Kansas State and Utah were also among the best, with just 13 sacks allowed a year ago; Both teams also have a question mark at that position in 2026.
Evaluating the Big 12, let’s have a look at the programs with the best offensive line odds entering Week 1.
CINCINNATI
Scott Satterfield enjoys the benefit of three returning OL starters – guard Evan Tengesdahl, left tackle Joe Cotton and center Taran Tyo – leading for Notre Dame transfer running back Gi’Bran Payne. Phil Steele ranked the Bearcats No. 14 nationally in his preseason OL rankings.
BYU
Four veteran linemen bolster the Cougar offense, led by quarterback Bear Bachmeier, and three new starters, including Washington transfer guard Paki Finau. All-Big 12 center Bruce Mitchell pulls the whole thing together as BYU’s offense plans on chasing big numbers in 2026.
TEXAS TECH
Star defensive end David Bailey is now with the New York Jets, but the Red Raiders return some continuity up front despite losing their leading pass rusher. Center Sheridan Wilson has played two seasons of Big 12 football; Tackles Jacob Ponton and Howard Sampson started all 14 games last year.
HOUSTON
Last year’s 10-win season wasn’t a fluke. Willie Fritz prioritized some key OL pieces last year with Baylor left tackle Alvin Ebosele and right guard McKenzie Agnello from New Mexico. Those two veterans return, and Fritz secured three more linemen with starting experience, including senior left guard Shadre Hurst, who started 37 games at Tulane.
WEST VIRGINIA
One of the biggest changes coming for Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers is quality OL play. WVU retained junior Nick Krahe at left tackle, and factors in four brand new transfers with starting experience to bolster the offense this season. Senior center Wes King brings 33 starts from Wyoming, junior right guard Amare Grayson finished First Team All-USA last year at Jacksonville State, and junior right tackle Carsten Casady started 17 games last year at UConn. Left tackle will be interesting, as 306-pound Kansas State transfer Devin Vass battles freshman Kevin Brown for the starting job.
