While the transfer portal stole multiple top offensive tackles in the Mountain West, it was less harsh on the interior offensive line. New Mexico’s CJ James and San Diego State’s Cade Bennett took their talents elsewhere, but the conference as a whole remains stout, leading to difficult decisions in our 2024 Mountain West iOL Rankings.
Mountain West 2024 iOL Rankings
Depth charts won’t be finalized until closer to the season, but most spring rosters have been updated, providing a clearer image of where things stand. And while guards and centers don’t receive the same recognition that their OT counterparts do, that changes here.
10) Baraka Beckett and Jawaun Singletary, New Mexico Lobos
I’m cheating by listing two players here, but there is a method to my madness. New Mexico lost all three of its interior starters from last season, so they nabbed two FCS transfers to replenish the group. First up, Campbell’s Baraka Beckett.
Apart from owning an elite name, Beckett joined the Fighting Camels via UCLA, imposing his Power Five pedigree on his opponents. He’ll likely slot in at left guard, while Grambling State’s Jawaun Singletary will take over at center. Singletary flashed as a run blocker, but pass protection is his calling card. Oh, and his uncle in NFL Hall of Famer Mike Singletary!
9) Roger Carreon, G, Boise State Broncos
As a redshirt freshman in 2023, Roger Carreon started the first seven games due to injuries. But when Ben Dooley and Mason Randolph returned, Carreon was relegated to a backup role. Nevertheless, Boise State couldn’t keep him off the field entirely, and he logged significant reps at right guard throughout the season.
With his first real collegiate reps under his belt and a full season starting in 2024, Carreon will vie for an all-conference nod.
8) Marist Talavou, G, San Jose State Spartans
Marist Talavou is as steady as they come at guard, rarely allowing pressure on his quarterback and creating lanes for his running backs. The 2023 season was his first year starting after spending 2019-2021 as a reserve lineman for Utah. With uncertainty under center entering 2024, the Spartans will once again rely on Talavou to provide a clean pocket.
7) Isaiah Sillemon, G, New Mexico Lobos
The third piece of New Mexico’s revamped interior is Isaiah Sillemon. This ranking is a bit more of a projection than the rest, as Sillemon only started three games (all at LG) last season.
MORE: 2024 Mountain West QB Rankings
Yet, he also saw snaps at right guard and produced encouraging film. Sillemon is well-built and uses lower-body torque to generate power — a full year dedicated to one position should be nightmare fuel for opposing defenses.
6) Mose Vavao, G, Fresno State Bulldogs
The definition of a veteran, Mose Vavao is entering his fourth season starting at guard for the Bulldogs. He’s rarely called for penalties, improved as a pass protector, and is consistent in the ground game. Vavao won’t wow onlookers, but there’s a reason he was a second-team All-Mountain West selection last season and a team captain.
5) Wes King, G, Wyoming Cowboys
Texas DT and 2024 NFL Draft prospect T’Vondre Sweat faced several talented offensive lines last year, but the toughest he faced? Wyoming. And on a unit that housed Combine standout Frank Crum and two players further down the 2024 Mountain West iOL rankings, redshirt freshman Wes King held his own.
A future draft prospect in his own right, King didn’t allow a sack all season and routinely generated push up front for the rushing attack.
4) Wesley Ndago, G, Air Force Falcons
Due to Air Force’s triple-option offense, it’s difficult to place their linemen in rankings. However, Wesley Ndago and OT Adam Karas both check in at No. 4 at their respective positions.
Simply put, Ndago is a road grader, using his natural leverage at 6’2″ to get underneath pads and drive defenders on their heels. His pass-blocking prowess is a relative unknown, but Ndago excels at what he’s asked to do.
3) Jacob Gardner, C, Colorado State
After starting at left tackle for two years at Nevada to begin his collegiate career, Jacob Gardner followed head coach Jay Norvell and his staff to Colorado State. He stayed at LT in 2022 but kicked inside to center in 2023, and the move proved to be the right one.
Gardner’s 6’4″ and 310-pound frame, paired with his big-man athleticism, allow him to thwart pass-rush attempts up the middle. Another offseason at the position should only take Gardner’s game to the next level.
2) Nofoafia Tulafono, C, Wyoming Cowboys
The centerpiece of Wyoming’s all-conference interior is Nofoafia Tulafono. His strength pops on tape, and if you wanted some weightlifting evidence, he squatted 585 pounds this offseason. At 6’2″ and 320 pounds, he’s a boulder at the pivot and a wrecking ball on the move. Were it not for his teammate, Tulafono would land at No. 1 in our 2024 Mountain West iOL Rankings.
1) Jack Walsh, G, Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming’s offensive line was absolutely loaded last season, and with all three interior players returning, they might be even better in 2024. King and Tulafono deserve their recognition, but Jack Walsh is the best iOL on the team and in the conference.
KEEP READING: 2024 Mountain West Power Rankings
Earning first-team All-Mountain West honors as a redshirt sophomore, Walsh shined as both a pass and run blocker. If you want to see utter dominance, flip on his game against New Mexico. He even started the last three games at right tackle and didn’t look out of place. From my research, Walsh doesn’t have a proper nickname, so I’m rectifying that here: Leviathan of Laramie.
2024 Mountain West iOL Rankings | 11-20
11) Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli, C, San Diego State
12) Osmar Velez, G, Fresno State
13) Myles Murao, G, San Diego State
14) Andrew Madrigal, C, Nevada
15) Brayden Bryant, G, San Diego State
16) Alani Makihele, G, UNLV
17) Falepule Alo, C, Utah State
18) Aloali’i Maui, G, Utah State
19) Jack Hasz, C, UNLV
20) Maurice Ta’ala, G, Hawaii
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!