Ranking all 16 Big 12 offensive line units from worst to first
Of last season's All-Big 12 first team, four of the five offensive linemen hit the NFL besides Utah's Spencer Fano. This led to programs scouring the portal to find answers along the offensive line.
The Colorado Buffaloes needed to improve their offensive line, and they aggressively recruited some of college football's top prospects through the transfer portal. But as the Buffaloes upgraded, so did other teams such as Texas Tech.
The conference has some potential NFL stars and a stacked transfer class, so which squad has the best trenches in the Big 12?
As we head into the 2025 season, here are our rankings of all 16 Big 12 offensive lines heading into the season.
Our other 2025 unit rankings: Quarterbacks, Running backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends
16. West Virginia Mountaineers
It's not even the Mountaineers' fault that they come in at No. 16. They lost all five of their starters from last season after most entered the transfer portal following the hiring of head coach Rich Rodriguez. However, they have somewhat replenished through the portal with a few transfers, but not close to the experience that left.
15. UCF Knights
The Knights' offensive line needed a major makeover this offseason. They only have one returning starter with Paul Rubelt at right tackle, who has anchored their offensive line the past two seasons. UCF added some depth through the portal with experienced players, but not to the same caliber as the players leaving the team.
14. Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Cowboys are in the same boat as the Mountaineers with no returning starters. They lost all of their experience in their offensive line room when all five starters exhausted their eligibility last season. OSU comes in at No. 14 because they were able to bring in better transfers, experience-wise, who should be immediate difference makers. Kasen Carpenter is the most promising of their transfers, who played the second-most snaps out of any player at Tulsa last season.
13. Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats lost their anchor in Jonah Savaiinaea and failed to replace him. Arizona let up the second-most sacks in the Big 12 last season, so fixing its leaky offensive line was a major offseason priority. They brought in a plethora of transfers, but nobody with nearly enough experience to make a difference this season. Their best transfer would have to be Ka'ena Decambra, who had moderate success in his time at Hawaii.
12. Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks are returning All-Big 12 second team center Bryce Foster and guard Kobe Baynes from last year's squad. The team also hit the portal hard with five new faces. However, of their transfers, only one has enough college experience to make an immediate impact. While the Jayhawks rely on their run game, they may struggle as the new starters adjust.
11. TCU Horned Frogs
TCU's offensive line is solid in pass protection, but struggles in the run game. Last season, they only tallied 113.9 rushing yards per game, but helped quarterback Josh Hoover to an outstanding passing season. The team is only returning the right side of their line with Ben Taylor-Whitfield and Carson Bruno. However, they are relying on transfers to step up and start. TCU is expected to have a decent year in 2025, but if Hoover isn't protected, it might be worse than expected.
10. Houston Cougars
The Cougars have two returning starters from last season: left tackle David Ndukwe and center Demetruis Hunter. Houston did add some good transfers who are all slotted to compete for the starting jobs at their respective position. Houston's o-line will be competitive in the conference, but won't be the best.
9. Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats lost their starting guards with first-team All-Big 12 Luke Kandra and John Williams heading to the NFL. Those two leave big shoes to fill, but are keeping center and team captain Gavin Gerhardt. They also added two three-star transfers that should be slotted in to start for the team. The Bearcats' offensive line isn't as strong this year as it was previously, but it's not horrible.
8. BYU Cougars
Even though the Cougars lost their starting quarterback, whoever is under center should feel protected behind BYU's o-line. BYU is most notably returning its captain from last season, Weylin Lapuaho, along with a few potential starters. They also brought in two three-star transfers this spring, along with former Colorado lineman Isaiah Jatta, who will likely start at left tackle. The team should have a decent offensive line in 2025, but probably not to the same level as their 2024 squad.
7. Colorado Buffaloes
After Shedeur Sanders had another season where he was sacked 40 times, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, had to take action. His something? The transfer portal. The Buffs hit the portal hard, adding size and experience to a room that was lacking. Overall, Colorado added eight transfers to their offensive line room. That, paired with former five-star Jordan Seaton, sets the Buffs up to have a sneaky good offensive line this season, but only time will tell.
6. Kansas State
Kansas State is returning its Second Team All-Big 12 center, Sam Hecht, and guard Taylor Poitier as its only starters. However, they have capable players that can step up into larger roles in 2025, such as Andrew Leingang, who saw playing time in every game last season. They also added a three-star transfer from Ohio State, George Fitzpatrick, who should be a solid starter for them.
5. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State is projected to have a good year in the Big 12, and the play of their offensive line should be a significant factor. The Cyclones are returning Tyler Miller and James Neal II, who should slot in as starters. Along with returning starter Brendan Black at guard, the squad has many experienced linemen and should be a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
4. Baylor Bears
Baylor is one of two teams returning most of its starters from last season. The team is returning key starters, including their blind side protector, Sidney Fugar, and guard Ryan Lengyel, who had a 78.0 pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, their right side is anchored by returning starter Omar Aigbedion, who received Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2024. Baylor is expected to have a high-powered offense in 2025, and a high-level offensive line is expected to play a key role.
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders identified a problem and addressed it. After quarterback Behren Morton was sacked 23 times last year, they recruited three of the top 15 offensive linemen in the transfer portal. They are also returning a few starters in guard Davion Carter and center Sheridan Wilson.
2. Arizona State Sun Devils
Despite losing their All-Big 12 lineman, ASU is returning four starters from the team that won the Big 12 last season. The squad is returning their tackles, Josh Atkins and Maxwell Iheanachor, along with guards Kyle Scott and Ben Coleman. However, they might face some inconsistency at center after losing Leif Fautanu to the NFL.
1. Utah Utes
Utah is returning one of college football's top offensive tackles in Spencer Fano, after a stellar sophomore season. Playing the opposite side of the Utah offensive line is another potential first-round draft pick in Caleb Lomu. They are set on the interior as well, with returning starters at center and guard. Leading their interior is Tanoa Togiai, who was third among guards in overall PFF grade last season. At center, Jaren Kump returns after starting all 12 games last season.
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