By Mark Pszonak
This has been a busy transfer portal cycle for offensive linemen, but while many found new homes, not all will make an immediate impact. Here are the ten who will make the 2024 college football season more exciting:
1. Kadyn Proctor – Iowa (Alabama)
The skinny: Iowa jumped at the opportunity of adding Proctor, who started every game as a true freshman for Alabama at left tackle. The talented freshman almost picked his home-state school last year, so he was already very familiar with the program and coaching staff, which made the decision an easy one for him.
2. Zalance Heard – Tennessee (LSU)
The skinny: By adding Heard, the Vols likely found their starting left tackle for at least the next two seasons. As with Proctor, he was a true freshman in 2023, who saw playing time in 12 games. While he is still a bit raw, the potential is there for him to become one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC during his time with the Vols.
3. Cayden Green – Missouri (Oklahoma)
The skinny: Green was yet another true freshman last season who quickly impressed on the big stage. He started five games at left guard with the Sooner, but now is returning to his home state to continue his collegiate career. With the Tigers look for him to either start at left guard or potentially make a move to left tackle.
4. Tyler Johnson – Colorado (Houston)
The skinny: The glaring weakness for the Buffaloes during Deion Sanders first season in Boulder was the play of the offensive line. Johnson was one of several offensive linemen who were brought in through the portal, but he is the one who has the most potential to make a positive impact quickly. A powerful guard who started his collegiate career with Texas, he started 12 games with the Cougars in 2023.
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5. Parker Brailsford – Alabama (Washington)
The skinny: It isn’t often that Alabama has holes on their offensive line, but one existed at center after Seth McLaughlin transferred to Ohio State, Terrence Ferguson transferred to Florida State and Darrian Dalcourt graduated. In enters Brailsford, who followed new head coach Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa from Washington, after he started all 15 games last season as a redshirt freshman.
6. Justin Mayers – Colorado (UTEP)
The skinny: As mentioned above with Tyler Johnson, Colorado desperately needed help on the offensive line, which resulted in the addition of several players. Another to keep an eye on is Mayers, who earned All-Conference honors during his time with the Miners while playing in 36 games at left guard. His addition should help solidify the interior offensive line for the Buffaloes.
7. Nate Kalepo – Ole Miss (Washington)
The skinny: While the Rebels added multiple promising offensive linemen through the portal during this cycle, Kalepo is the one who should make the biggest impact quickly. Having played 40 games with the Huskies, he started all 15 in 2023, while bringing experience at both left guard and right guard. His experience and versatility makes him an important addition for Ole Miss.
8. Monroe Mills – Louisville (Texas Tech)
The skinny: After starting his collegiate career at Oklahoma State, Mills found his stride with Texas Tech, where he was a two-year starter with the Red Raiders. He enjoyed his best season in 2023, when he started all 12 games at left tackle and gave up only two sacks. The Cardinals, who continue to be extremely aggressive in the portal under head coach Jeff Brohm, hope that Mills’ addition will solidify a vital part of their offensive line.
9. Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson – Florida (San Diego State)
The skinny: The Gators were looking to add some experience and versatility to their offensive line and added Crenshaw-Dickson to help answer both of these concerns. With San Diego State, he started 35 games over the last three seasons, with 18 coming at right tackle and 17 coming at left tackle. Right tackle is the most likely destination for him in Gainesville, but don’t be surprised if he plays on both sides during the course of the season.
10. Ethan Miner – Mississippi State (North Texas)
The skinny: New head coach Jeff Lebby knew that he needed to reload his offensive line before his first season in Starkville. Adding Miner, an experienced center, was a vital piece of this reload. Miner, who started his collegiate career at Arkansas State before transferring to North Texas, impressed with the Mean Green and has played in 44 games during his collegiate career.
