If you hear about offensive line play during broadcasts, it’s usually after a sack or a missed assignment. That’s no way to treat the most important position group on the field, so let’s give flowers where they’re due in the 2024 MAC IOL Rankings.
MAC 2024 IOL Rankings
10) J.J. Lippe, Northern Illinois Huskies
Antario Brown finished the 2023 season with the second-most rushing yards in the conference and landed at No. 1 in the 2024 MAC RB Rankings. However, he owes much of his production to the offensive line, averaging 6.1 yards per carry without being a next-level yards-after-contact ball carrier.
J.J. Lippe started at left guard in 2021 and then played every single position in 2022. Seriously, he lined up at LT, LG, C, RG, RT, and TE. His play suffered from flip-flopping around the line, but a return to his natural guard spot benefited everyone last season.
Staying at one position for a consecutive year should only mean more rushing yardage for Brown and nightmares for opposing defensive linemen.
9) Carson Lee, Eastern Michigan Eagles
Carson Lee transferred from Colorado following the 2021 campaign, didn’t play in 2022, and missed the first half of 2023. So how does he check in at No. 9 in the 2024 MAC iOL Rankings? I’m glad you asked. At 6’2″, Lee has natural leverage and carries most of his 318 pounds in his lower half, providing an immovable anchor.
While others can’t move him, Lee can pull and block lighter EDGEs and LBs into oblivion as a run blocker. A full season in 2024 could see him crack the top five of the final list.
8) Dominic Serapiglia III, Central Michigan Chippewas
Lee may have an immovable anchor, but Dominic Serapiglia III turns nearly every rusher into a stoppable force. How do you generate pressure up the middle against a 325-pound boulder? Hint: You don’t.
MORE: Could More Teams Join UMass in the MAC?
Now, while Serapiglia is a pass-rush plug on the interior, he doesn’t generate much push in the run game, but Central Michigan can take solace in the fact that whoever lines up against him won’t either.
7) Christophe Atkinson, Ohio Bobcats
With Kurtis Rourke off to Indiana, Ohio will put more pressure on the OL to create solid pockets and pave lanes for their running backs in 2024.
Christophe Atkinson flashed in limited reps from 2021-2022, but as a full-time starter in 2023, he proved proficient in pass blocking. He allowed just over a handful of pressure from his right guard spot, and in his second year on the first team, Atkinson should improve as a run blocker.
6) Jake Burns, Bowling Green Falcons
Five players saw significant snaps at guard for the Falcons last season, but Jake Burns was by far the best. In his five starts (last games of the year), he showed off his ability in both phases, keeping his pad level low and always looking for work. If he maintains that level of play for an entire season, Burns will push for All-MAC honors in 2024.
5) John Champe, Northern Illinois Huskies
John Champe has seen notable snaps since his true freshman campaign in 2020, and his current play reflects his experience. He had nearly double the amount of games with zero pressures allowed than games with one or more in 2023. With impressive grip strength and engagement IQ, Champe makes up for lapses in pad level and weight distribution.
4) Taran Tyo, Ball State Cardinals
Offensive linemen often take time to develop, but Taran Tyo thrived as a redshirt freshman last season. Having his first two career starts against Kentucky and Georgia went about as you’d expect, but he didn’t allow a sack or QB hit the rest of the year. Another offseason to build on his frame, and Tyo should match his run-blocking ability with his pass-blocking prowess.
3) Jon Mucciolo, Ball State Cardinals
Jon Mucciolo joined Ball State after an All-NEC 2022 season at Sacred Heart. Despite the increase in competition, including starting his FBS career off against Kentucky, Jon Mucciolo rarely lost in pass protection.
Don’t take my word for it; turn on the tape, and it will take multiple games to see No. 64 allow a pressure. With Tyo and Mucciolo at guard, I could start and center, and QB Kiael Kelly would still have time in the pocket.
2) Jacob Gideon, Western Michigan Broncos
After starting at left guard in 2021 and moving to center in 2022, Jacob Gideon was able to deliver his full might in 2023. The only knock on his game is penalties, but Western Michigan can live with moving back 5-10 yards occasionally when he is a rampart on the interior.
1) Addison West, Western Michigan Broncos
Watching the top five guards/centers in the 2024 MAC iOL Rankings is truly a treat, but none more so than Addison West. He spent the first three years of his collegiate career riding the pine for the Broncos.
KEEP READING: 2024 MAC QB Rankings
Then, in 2022, West played all three interior spots, never fully finding a rhythm, although his potential was clear to see. But last season, he treated D-linemen like bowling pins, channeling his inner Pete Weber and showing them whoever they thought they were, he was.
2024 MAC IOL Rankings | 11-20
11) Parker Titsworth, Ohio
12) John Hofer, Western Michigan
13) Isaiah Wright, Buffalo
14) Colin Lyons, Akron
15) Tyler Doty, Buffalo
16) Chris Farrell, Kent State
17) Kevin Meeder, Ball State
18) Logan Zschernitz, Northern Illinois
19) Maddox Marcotte, Toledo
20) Trent Allen, Ohio
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!