By Skeeter Smith
With EA officially announcing a timeline for the new college football video game, sports enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into gameplay for the first time in over a decade. As the release date draws nearer, I’ve decided to predict the top-rated players in each position group. Let’s look at which offensive lineman will be paving the way in the new game.
5. Tyler Booker
Alabama
Tyler Booker has been receiving significant playing time since his freshman year with the Tide. He stepped into a starter role this past season and did not disappoint.
Booker only allowed 1 sack and proved to be one of the best run blockers in the country. He possesses exceptional strength, consistently winning battles at the point of attack. Additionally, he’s a solid pass blocker and plays with the intensity you want to see from an offensive lineman.
4. Tate Ratledge
Georgia
Bulldog fans rejoiced when Ratledge announced his return to Athens as he’s been a huge piece for their offensive line the past 2 seasons. In fact, as a starter, Ratledge has yet to be credited for giving up a sack. Ratledge was awarded All-SEC honors last year, cementing his status as one of the conference’s best linemen.
There may not be a more powerful blocker in the country Tate Ratledge as he is consistently putting defenders in the dirt, helping pave the way for his running backs.
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3. Donnavan Jackson
Ohio State
Donnavan Jackson has continued to improve every year at Ohio State and is starting to live up to the hype he had surrounding him coming out of high school. After a strong 2023 season, Jackson received 1st team All-Big 10 honors.
Jackson is very long and agile, making him a nightmare for linebackers when he gets to the second level. He’s adept with his hands and doesn’t get bullied, even while being undersized.
2. Kelvin Banks Jr.
Texas
It’s almost a guarantee that Kelvin Banks Jr will be a first-rounder whenever he leaves for the NFL Draft. He possesses almost all the intangibles you want to see from a left tackle with plenty of room to improve. Banks has been a starter since his freshman year and has only allowed 3 sacks during that time.
Although he’s a really good pass blocker, the run game is where he’s most dominant. His athletic ability allows him to get into the second level and punish smaller defenders.
1. Will Campbell
LSU
Campbell has been a starter at LSU since his freshman year and has done an excellent job of locking down the left side. In 2023, Campbell gave up 0 sacks and only 5 QB hurries, earning him All-SEC honors.
Will Campbell is a strong blocker with good hands, making it tough for pass rushers to win against him. He’s also very quick and explosive off the line, which allows him to get to defenders at the second level with ease. Don’t be surprised to see Campbell as the first lineman taken off the draft board in 2025.
Honorable mentions
Josh Simmons (Ohio State), Josh Conerly Jr (Oregon), Parker Brailsford (Washington), DJ Campbell (Texas).
