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Position Analysis: Offensive Line

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•05/20/25•

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(Krockover Photography)

Players have arrived via the portal and players have left via the portal during an offseason filled with roster tumult. As the dust settles, let’s take a position-by-position look at how the Purdue roster shapes up. Next up: Offensive line.

MORE POSITIONS: Running backs | Quarterbacks

What we know

Honestly, not much. The unit has been rehabbed extensively, with nine players being brought in from the portal. Meanwhile, myriad linemen hit the portal, including two 2024 starters: DJ Wingfield (USC) and Mahamane Moussa (Louisville). Losing promising youngster Jaden Ball (Minnesota) also stung.

And three other 2024 starters are in NFL camps: Marcus Mbow (Giants), Gus Hartwig (Jets) and Corey Stewart (Chargers).

What’s left?

Joey Tanona is back. And that’s a good thing, as he may be the best lineman Purdue has. After being involved in a car crash that nearly ended his career, Tanona continues to round into the form that made him a four-star recruit out of high school who signed with Notre Dame. Let’s pencil in the tenacious Tanona as the No. 1 left tackle.

The other key returnee: Bakyne Coly, who needs to continue to add strength and size to an uber athletic frame. How good can he be? Coly will battle to be the No. 1 right tackle.

The other holdover to know: Ethan Trent, who was put on scholarship in the spring. He’s an ideal backup on the interior.

New faces

OK, sit down. This could take awhile.

Purdue has brought in nine portal linemen–four in the winter, five in the spring–the most of any position on the team (staff also brought in nine portal d-linemen).

Aside from Tanona and Coly, every other spot on the two-deep figures to be occupied by a portal addition. Yes, that’s how dire the situation is that Barry Odom inherited.

The prize: Marques Easley of Georgia, a massive man (6-5, 325) who could become a cornerstone at tackle sooner rather than later. Linemen of his ilk rarely matriculate to Purdue.

Look for Jalen “Chop” St. John of UNLV to start next to Tanona at left guard. The two lined up together all spring.

The center? Canadian import Giordano Vaccaro stated his case in the spring. And keep an eye on UNLV’s Mason Vicari.

Tyrell Green (Eastern Kentucky) and Bradyn Joiner (Auburn) will be factors on the interior. Green is a wall of flesh (6-5, 355) who was an FCS All-American. Joiner was on the SEC All-Freshman team. And keep an eye on Marc Nave (Kentucky), a versatile option with a bright future.

Bottom line

Lots to sort out for Vance Vice, who is straight from central casting for an offensive line coach. He has to get busy. Line play on both sides of the ball is the most import part of any team. And this front needs to be whipped into shape and developed … pronto.

No pressure, Coach.

Purdue appears to have made some nice upgrades up front while shedding some players who likely never would have been factors. Depth looks better. And, no doubt, plenty of size has been added, including towering Jude McCoskey (6-8, 300) of Tulane.

That bulk and depth will be needed for what Odom hopes is a physical offense with a punch-you-in-the-nose run game.

MORE: Offensive projected depth chart | Defensive projected depth chart | Special teams projected depth chart | Spring portal additions | Spring portal departures | 2025 Purdue roster

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