Try HuskerOnline out for $1 AND get your first year for 50% off!<\/a><\/p>\n 1. Kade Pieper, Iowa<\/p>\n Though he started all 13 games at right guard on Iowa\u2019s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line last season, Kade Pieper<\/a> is now arguably the Big Ten\u2019s best center in 2026.<\/p>\n A 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior from Norfolk, Nebraska, Pieper was a third-team all-conference selection last year. He also claimed PFF first-team All-American honors after grading out as the nation\u2019s fifth-best guard in FBS.<\/p>\n The Hawkeyes moved him to the middle of their o-line this offseason, and he quickly made his way on the Dave Rimington Trophy watch list. In fact, he might already be one of the favorites despite not playing a snap at the position yet. <\/p>\n 2. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon<\/p>\n Oregon must replace some notable pieces on its offensive line this season, but Iapani Laloulu<\/a> returns to anchor the unit as one of the nation\u2019s best.<\/p>\n A 6-foot-2, 329-pound native of Honolulu, \u201cPoncho\u201d Laloulu was a fixture up front for the Ducks in 2025. He started all 13 games and was a first-team FWAA All-American, a third-team AP All-American, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, and a Rimington Trophy finalist.<\/p>\n While he could have made an early jump to the NFL, Laloulu came back for his senior season to help UO make another run at a national title. He has a chance to be as good as anyone at his position in 2026.<\/p>\n 3. Ezomo Oratokhai, Northwestern<\/p>\n Another standout guard who\u2019s making the move to center this season, Ezomo Oratokhai<\/a>, has a chance to be dominant at his new position.<\/p>\n The 6-foot-4, 310-pound native of Austin, Texas, was a Freshman All-American and honorable-mention All-Big Ten pick last year after starting all 13 games at left guard for the Wildcats. His 81.5 pass-blocking grade on PFF ranked 10th among Big Ten guards, and he didn\u2019t allow a single sack or QB pressure over the final 12 games as a redshirt freshman.<\/p>\n Oratokhai has all the tools to shine at center, and he might have only scratched the surface on his lofty potential.<\/p>\n 4. Justin Evans, Nebraska\u00a0<\/p>\n For Nebraska\u2019s offense to take the next step in 2026, its offensive line must pave the way under new OL coach Geep Wade<\/a>. Arguably, no lineman will be more important in leading that charge than Justin Evans<\/a>.<\/p>\n A 31-game starter for the Huskers, Evans personifies the anchor of NU\u2019s offensive line. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound native of East Orange, N.J., rated as one of PFF\u2019s top interior linemen after not allowing a single sack in 2025.<\/p>\n Nebraska has had a recent dearth of NFL Draft picks, but Evans could play his way into a bona fide pro if he lives up to his coaches\u2019 expectations.<\/p>\n 5. Carson Hinzman, Ohio State<\/p>\n As Ohio State remains among college football\u2019s gold standards, Carson Hinzman<\/a> has been a pillar for the Buckeyes over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n Boasting 35 career starts, including all 14 last season, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound fifth-year senior is as battle-tested as they come. Hinzman allowed just one sack over 841 snaps in 2025, helping him earn first-team AFCA All-American and third-team All-Big Ten honors.<\/p>\n OSU has plenty of higher-profile players on its roster, but few will be more important to its latest national title push than the Spring Valley, Wisconsin, native.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/USATSI_26024326.jpg\")
Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper looks to the sideline during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress\/For the Register<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/USATSI_26966688.jpg\")
Oregon offensive linemen Iapani Laloulu, left, and Emmanuel Pregnon line up as the Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats at Autzen Stadium.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01k39jr0m2dvtnq6grkj.webp.jpeg\")
Northwestern center 3. Ezomo Oratokhai (62) takes the field before one of the Wildcats\u2019 2025 road games.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Q3A3268-1024x538.jpg\")
Nebraska OL Justin Evans. (Photo credit: Ken Juszyk\/HuskerOnline)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/USATSI_27709564.jpg\")
Ohio State offensive lineman Carson Hinzman (75) lines up against Michigan at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 27-9.<\/p>\n