Greg McElroy explains where he ranked Penn State in Top 10 offensive lines ranking

The Penn State Nittany Lions offense is going to be highlighted by its backfield in 2025. However, that’s not their only strength. This year, the offensive line should also be one of the best in the country.

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy has the Nittany Lions ranked seventh among his Top 10 offensive lines. That’s a ranking he explained recently on his show, Always College Football.

“They’re at number seven,” Greg McElroy said. “I look at this group and there were so many great moments last year. There were a lot where you’re like, this is a legit Big Ten Championship contender along the line of scrimmage. They’ve had that defensively for a while. I just don’t feel like their offensive line has traditionally been a group that’s just going to impose their will, but I do think with some of the pieces that are back this year, they could actually make a case.”

One thing that Penn State has going into the season, is experience. That’s true of the backfield and true of the offensive line. That, combined with good depth, is the key to what makes McElroy excited about the Nittany Lions.

“I look at Nick Dawkins at center. A guy that’s been around for six seasons. I like the way he has that presence there in the interior. I love Vega Ioane at left guard. He has a chance to become a star. He’s big, strong, physical. All that stuff. At right guard, you should kind of figure out where things are. You lose Sal Wormley. But I think Sal Wormley had some ups and downs. You now bring in a guy named Cooper Cousins who is very highly regarded as well. You also have some depth with the transfer from A&M in TJ Shanahan. Then, the tackle spots are solidified as well,” McElroy said.

“So, I think this is a group that traditionally would not be in this conversation. Not that dissimilar to Clemson. But I feel like with some of the other unknowns and the other teams that are relying on transfers, with what’s coming back for Penn State, I feel a little bit more comfortable having them in the top seven right now.”

Greg McElroy had former Auburn offensive lineman Cole Cubelic on to discuss the offensive line units. There, Cubelic would echo his sentiment about their capability. The question is whether or not the offense will rely on that unit.

“My only question, it’s not even a concern,” Cole Cubelic said. “Is Andy Kotelnicki gonna lean on this group? Is he going to go out there and let them try to win games? I think they can do it. I think they can be that kind of a group like you said.”

Penn State’s offensive line is going to have everything at its disposal to thrive next season. They’ll just have to take advantage of that opportunity, starting in Week 1 against Nevada.