Athlon Sports ranks Top 10 OL units in college football for 2025

The offensive linemen are the unsung heroes of every offense. However, even unsung heroes occasionally get their time to shine. Athlon Sports recently released its Top 10 offensive line rankings ahead of the 2025 college football season.

The SEC boasts a conference-best four offensive line units in Athlon Sports rankings. However, the Big Ten doesn’t trail far behind with three times on the list. No Big 12 teams made an appearance in the offensive line rankings.

Of course, throughout the season, O-lines will have plenty of time to prove they’re worthy of respect. However, judging from this list, any teams looking to crack the Top 10 will have tough competition. With so much to cover, let’s dive into the rankings.

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10. Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa squeaked into Athlon Sports‘ Top 10 by returning starting offensive linemen Beau Stephens (LG), Logan Jones (C), Gennings Dunker (RT). However, the Hawkeyes didn’t stop there.

The team also went out and secured transfer commitments from IOL George Nahas and offensive tackle Bryce George. The latter is a particularly solid addition. George was the No. 37 offensive tackle in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State is also returning three starting members of the offensive line from last season, and it’s a proven bunch. The Buckeyes’ run to the national title last season was largely due to their play up front.

Ohio State allowed just a sack per game and rarely allowed pressure to impact quarterback Will Howard. With the additions of transfer linemen Ethan Onianwa and Phillip Daniels, the Buckeyes’ offensive line unit is poised to have another standout season.

8. Texas Longhorns

Texas’ offensive line has a tall task ahead of it in 2025. The unit lost four of its starters to the NFL this offseason, only returning DJ Campbell. Worse, Texas didn’t add any offensive linemen via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Cole Hutson will be another integral piece of Texas’ front five. Hutson has 38 career appearances and 13 starts, and is expected to start at center for the Longhorns. Trevor Goosby, who subbed in at both left and right tackle last season, will need to step up his game this fall.

7. Clemson Tigers

Clemson’s offensive line was solid last season, only allowing 1.79 sacks per game. Now, with an entire offseason of development and four starters returning, the Tigers are poised to take a massive leap forward in 2025.

Moreover, last season was offensive line coach Matt Luke‘s first with the program. Now entering his second season, Luke will have a better understanding of how to best protect Clemson QB Cade Klubnik.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama came up just short of a CFP appearance in head coach Kalen DeBoer‘s first season at the helm of the program. Now, with three starting offensive linemen returning, the Crimson Tide are poised to have one of the best offensive lines in college football this year.

Alabama isn’t solely relying on its returning talent, either. The Crimson Tide added three linemen via the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason. Most notably, Alabama folded in Texas A&M transfer IOL Kam Dewberry.

5. Florida Gators

Florida is entering Year 2 of quarterback DJ Lagway running the offense. However, the breakout star from 2024 won’t be able to build on his success without a stellar O-line to protect him. Thankfully for Gators fans, Lagway’s in luck.

Florida is returning four starting offensive linemen from last season. It’s an exciting prospect for the Gators, who ranked in the Top 40 in sacks allowed last season. If Florida can build on that number, Lagway shouldn’t have any problem posting even better numbers than last season.

4. Miami Hurricanes

There will be no shortage of pressure on Miami’s offensive line this year. The unit will be under a magnifying glass as fans intently watch how transfer QB Carson Beck adapts to his new environment.

Moreover, the Hurricanes’ only three returning offensive starters from last season are linemen. For good measure, Miami also reeled in a transfer commitment from TCU‘s former starting center James Brockermeyer.

3. Texas A&M Aggies

With no starting offensive linemen moving on from Texas A&M this offseason, the Aggies’ front five will have plenty of familiar faces on it this fall. More importantly, those familiar faces know how to produce fantastic results.

In Mike Elko‘s first season in the driver’s seat last fall, Texas A&M averaged 195.5 rushing yards per game, the 26th-most in the country. If all goes well, Texas A&M fans can expect to see an improved version of the 2024 offensive line in College Station this fall.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

It’s no surprise to see Penn State near the top of the rankings. The Nittany Lions ranked in the Top 25 in both rushing yards and sacks allowed last season, en route to the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance.

After being bounced one game shy of a national championship appearance, all five of Penn State’s starting offensive linemen decided to run it back this fall. Simply put, the Nittany Lions will be one of the most experienced trench units in the country this fall.

1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame fell short in the national championship last season, but it won the offseason. Starters Anthonie Knapp (LT), Billy Schrauth (LG), Aamil Wagner (RT) are each returning for the 2025 campaign.

Additionally, players like Ashton Craig, who suffered an injury early in the season last year, should be fully healthy. With several other backups from last season stepping into significant roles this fall, Notre Dame has all the pieces necessary to be the best offensive line in college football this year.