It is no surprise to anyone who follows college football and the transfer portal that the FCS has become somewhat of a minor league for FBS programs. Over the last couple of years, countless numbers of top FCS players have made the leap and have become key contributors at their new school.
Now that FCS Preseason All-American and All-Conference teams are being announced, it is a good time to take a look at a few offensive linemen who could become FBS priorities in only a couple of months. The focus is on players who are non-seniors, except for the Ivy League, since those players often transfer after four years due to their inability to redshirt.
OL Delby Lemieux, Senior – Dartmouth
6-foot-4, 280-pounds
Duxbury, Massachusetts
The skinny: Coming off an All-American season in 2024, Lemieux has firmly positioned himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the country this season. Also, as a senior, with his inclusion in the portal almost guaranteed, every FBS program will be keeping an extremely close eye on his progress this season. Because of his height, a move inside may be in his future, but either way he will be a portal priority.
OL Michael Bennett, Senior – Yale
6-foot-5, 295-pounds
Atlanta, Georgia
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The skinny: After earning honorable mention All-Ivy honors after his sophomore season, he returned in 2024 and earned first-team honors. Now as a senior, can he take his game to an even higher level? A senior, his entry into the portal is somewhat of a formality, so any sign of improvement this season will only increase his stock.
OL Quinten Christensen, RS Junior – South Dakota State
6-foot-5, 300-pounds
Wessington Springs, South Dakota
The skinny: Christensen’s first substantial playing time came as a redshirt freshman when he saw time on the line, but also at tight end. That changed last season when he was named the starting left tackle, where he started all 15 games. If he can continue to show this level of consistent improvement, his entry into the portal would create quite a reaction from FBS programs.
OL Desmeal Leigh, RS Junior – Youngstown State
6-foot-7, 325-pounds
Kent, Ohio
The skinny: After redshirting as a true freshman, Leigh has started the last 25 games at left tackle. There is still some room for improvement, but the potential is there, and at 6-foot-7, 325-pounds, he is a very intriguing piece to an FBS offensive line puzzle.
OL Trent Fraley, RS Junior – North Dakota State
6-foot-1, 303-pounds
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
The skinny: Fraley spent two seasons with Marshall before transferring to North Dakota State. During his first season with the Bison he started all 16 games at center for the National Champions. Would he welcome a possible return to the FBS? His height is a hurdle, but experienced and talented centers don’t grow on trees
