Big Ten powers building top offensive line classes in 2024

There’s arguably no other conference in the country where winning in the trenches is more important than the Big Ten. The offensive philosophies at programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State aren’t for the faint of heart — as those teams have largely dominated the league over the past decade. Even eventual newcomers like USC are recognizing that to compete with the big boys, they’re going to need some of their own.

The desire for size is no more apparent than in the 2024 recruiting cycle, where the Wolverines, Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have stocked up on big bodies early on. Between the three programs, they have 15 projected offensive linemen committed, with a few key prospects still on the board for each.

On3 team site insiders from each of the programs help us break down the prospects already committed and which those programs are still in the mix for:

Ohio State

Offensive Line Commitments: 4
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 90.23

Insider’s Take: “Ohio State landed its in-state and regional targets ahead of time by locking in four-star twins Deontae Armstrong and Devontae Armstrong, Ian Moore and Marc Nave. The former two versatile swing pieces, while Moore and Nave likely project to play inside in Columbus. With four commits who are all Buckeyes, offensive line coach Justin Frye, offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and Ryan Day are swinging for big national names. Included in that group is top-two tackles Brandon Baker and Guerby Lambert, along with four-stars Jordan Seaton and Daniel Calhoun.” — Matt Parker, LettermenRow.com

Michigan

Offensive Line Commitments: 5
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 90.02

Insider’s Take: “Michigan has one of the best offensive line groups in the country and is making it a priority to land a large class after back-to-back cycles of small groups upfront. Michigan already has five offensive line commits but is looking to add a sixth. The Wolverines are still in contention for On300 prospects Bennett Warren, Max Anderson and Michael Uini. All three will officially visit UM in June. Michigan could take a seventh if a top 100-prospect like Jordan Seaton or Brandon Baker wants in later in the cycle.” — EJ Holland, TheWolverine.com

Penn State

Offensive Line Commitments: 4
Avg. Rating Per Commit: 89.82

Insider’s Take: “With eight linemen currently on the roster who are entering their fourth year or higher, offensive line is arguably Penn State’s most important position in the 2024 class. After landing four prospects with a four-star rating in the previous class, offensive line coach Phil Trautwein now has three more four-star players committed. Penn State is also considered a top school with a handful of uncommitted On300 prospects (including Kevin Heywood, Ethan Calloway and William Satterwhite). If they can land another four-star or two, the Nittany Lions should once again sign one of the nation’s top offensive line classes.” — Ryan Snyder, BlueWhiteIllustrated.com