Mark Stoops is 'very happy' with Kentucky's offensive line rebuild

Eric Wolford and the Kentucky offensive line — Dr. Michael Huang | KSR

Kentucky’s offensive line has been a year-over-year problem since the 2021 season ended. Mark Stoops rehired Eric Wolford after the 2023 season to fix the problem. This latest offseason was yet another filled with the program adding multiple offensive line transfers to the roster.

Can the Big Blue Wall get back to being the Big Blue Wall? Stoops is happy with the progress that this group has made in the offseason.

“I think we all understand that we needed to improve in that area. Needed to get some depth. I really feel comfortable with that area,” Stoops told the local Kentucky media at SEC Media Days in Atlanta. “The one thing about the transfers in general, and certainly pertains to the offensive line group, very mature players. A lot of playing experience, a lot of snaps under their belt, but very mature. And they’re here, you know, it’s all business. They’ve been a great fit. I love the leadership that they brought in.”

Arkansas transfer Joshua Braun could get some preseason All-SEC recognition this week and is entering his super senior season. The Florida native will give the offense a strong presence at left guard. Bowling Green transfer Alex Wollschlaeger was a multi-year starter at Bowling Green who earned first-team All-MAC honors in 2024. The Chicagoland native will take over the starting right tackle position. New Mexico State transfer Shiyazh Pete was a multi-year starter who received first-team All-CUSA honors. Pete will take over the left tackle position. All three players will play pivotal roles this season.

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Jager Burton and Jalen Farmer return as starters who should provide some stability along the interior. WKU transfer Evan Wibberley and returnee Malachi Wood could give this group some quality depth. Kentucky has spent resources and slowly has put in some built-in answers when constructing this offensive line.

Much is tied to this position group entering the season. It’s become evident over the last few seasons that this program must be able to reset the line of scrimmage and weekly establish a consistent running attack to win games. Without it, this offense could be in big trouble. Kentucky invested assets to fix this unit in the offseason. We will see what it looks like when the season begins, but the offseason indicators say that this unit is in a good spot.

“I’m very happy with that group,” Stoops said.