On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman answered an interesting question ahead of five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell’s commitment Tuesday. Can college football teams pluck elite offensive linemen from the transfer portal and build a patchwork line?
In the ever-evolving world of college football, the offensive line remains one of the most crucial positions. Sure, transfer QBs and WRs seem to plug in automatically to new systems, but is it the same way for linemen?
Analysts Break Down Where Teams Can Find Elite Offensive Linemen
Massive OT prospect Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, decided he wants to play for the Miami Hurricanes over the heavily favored Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday. He gives Mario Cristobal a top-notch presence to protect the quarterback and pave the way for the running game.
Staples and Wasserman believe stockpiling talent from the prep level is a great approach.
“You and I have been very clear. We think the best way to compete for national championships, build a national championship-type roster is through high school recruiting,” Staples said Tuesday on the duo’s podcast.
“Is it possible that it’s required to do that in the trenches, but you can do more in the portal with the skill positions?”
Wasserman began his analysis by asking how often elite blockers are available as imports.
“How many times has a first-round offensive lineman transferred?” Wasserman said.
Staples interjected, throwing out Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, who relocated from San Diego State to Ohio State in 2023. Simmons played at both offensive tackle positions before being selected No. 32 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“That’s right, but when he transferred, he wasn’t,” Wasserman said. “I mean, he was a liability two years ago.”
“Well, and Ohio State is a really good example of this,” Staples said. “Ohio State this past year, Michigan the year before. Both of them had taken some transfers and started transfers along their offensive line — a couple of them that were one-year rentals. But, the bulk of the guys in the trenches were home-grown guys in both of those cases.”
Staples doesn’t believe that top-notch offensive linemen look for a new home after initially landing at their school of choice.
“Anecdotally, offensive linemen move less, especially once they’re already in a power conference,” Staples said. “Now, Isaiah World, for example, the guy going from Nevada to Oregon this year, the offensive tackle. That is strictly a play to try to become a first-rounder. … Because he has the measurables for it.”
Wasserman clarified the topic after Staples pointed that out.
“I mean, like, ready-made, no doubt about it offensive linemen,” Wasserman said. “I just don’t think you can build your offensive line through the portal, like, you know, 1-5. So, I think the interesting part is, like, if you had to focus on one position in high school and then worry about the portal, I think that offensive lineman would certainly be a position.”
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
