by Sean Szymczak
Big Ten football games are won along the line of scrimmage. It isn’t sexy in the trenches, but it’s the most important aspect of the game. Deficiencies in the back-end of defenses or at quarterback can easily be masked by dominating up-front.
Many of the best offensive and defensive lines reside in the Big Ten. It’s why Big Ten football is often ugly, violent, low-scoring. We rank all 18 teams based on their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage in 2024.
Of all the position rankings we do here, these rankings should correlate the highest with the final 2024 Big Ten football standings.
1) Ohio State
Offensive Line: A- // Defensive Line: A+
The Buckeye offensive line returns four starters and adds Seth McLaughlin from Alabama to fill in at center. Despite his well-known snapping issues in the SEC Championship and CFP, McLaughlin was one of the best pass-blocking interior linemen in the country last year. The right tackle position isn’t quite settled yet, but Ohio State’s line is littered with experienced, all-conference type talents.
The only loss the defensive line sustained was oft-injured DT Mike Hall. Tyliek Williams, JT Tuimoloau, and Jack Sawyer are among the very best in the country at their positions. And with blue-chip prospects like Kenyatta Jackson, Caden Curry, Tywone Malone, & Hero Kanu providing depth and waiting to breakout, the defensive line doesn’t appear to have a flaw.
The Buckeyes should be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in every game this year.
2) Michigan
Offensive Line: A- // Defensive Line: A
Despite losing their top six offensive linemen from last year, Michigan still somehow has loads of talent and experience up front. Their line will be led by LT Miles Hinton (6th-year senior with 16 career starts) and LG Josh Priebe (All-Big Ten transfer from Northwestern). With Zak Zinter’s season-ending injury against Ohio State, plenty of guys like C Greg Crippen and G Giovanni El-Hadi saw meaningful snaps in Michigan’s most important games last year.
The Wolverine defensive line is headlined by DTs Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant – each a potential 2025 1st-round pick. They lost some of the depth at DE, which was arguably their defense’s biggest strength last year. But they still have plenty of talent with guys like Derrick Moore and Josiah Stewart (10.5 sacks and 14.5 TFLs combined last year) to generate a formidable pass-rush.
3) Oregon
Offensive Line: A // Defensive Line: B+
Oregon has arguably the best offensive line in college football in 2024. They return four starters from a line that helped generate 5.9 yards per carry last year, good for 3rd in the country. The Ducks added Matthew Bedford (39 career starts at four different positions) from Indiana. They have also recruited their offensive line terrifically over the years, with guys like George Silva (the #1 OT in 2023) providing depth.
Oregon loses a lot of star power from their defensive line. Matayo Uiagalelei, Blake Purchase, & Teitum Tuioti were each top-200 prospects in 2023. At least one of them will need to step up opposite Jordan Burch, who is one of the most versatile defensive linemen in the country. The Ducks’ interior line got a boost with the additions of Jamaree Caldwell from Houston and Derrick Harmon from Michigan State. There is plenty of depth and potential on this defensive line, but there needs to be a lot of player development this off-season in order for the unit to meet its potential.
4) Penn State
Offensive Line: B- // Defensive Line: A
With both of their starting tackles and starting center off to the NFL, Penn State has a lot to replace on their offensive line. Their interior line seems solidified with JB Nelson, Sal Wormley, & Olaivavega Ioane (17 combined career starts). Nittany Lions also added former 5-star OT Nolan Rucci from Penn State and added three top-200 prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. However, Rucci has yet to make a start in his career. This unit is likely to take a small step back in 2024.
But Penn State’s defensive line is among the best in college football. They lose stars Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac on the edge, but bring back Dani Dennis-Sutton who could be in for an All-American season in 2024. Abdul Carter has racked up 104 tackles, 16 sacks, 11 TFLs, and 9 INTs over the past two seasons at linebacker. He now moves to their BULL position where he can wreak havoc on quarterbacks. The interior of Penn State’s defensive line returns their top four guys in D’Von Ellies, Hakeem Beamon, Coziah Izzard, & Zane Durant. This line is deep and talented.
5) Nebraska
Offensive Line: B // Defensive Line: A-
The offensive line wasn’t to blame for the offensive woes that plagued the Huskers’ 2023 season. They lose both starting guards but bring in Micah Mazzcuah, who has 22 starts at guard over the past two seasons at Baylor & Florida. LT Bryce Benhardt, C Ben Scott, & Turner Corcoran all have multiple years of starting experience and are all-conference contenders. Backups like Justin Jenkins-Evans were thrust into much larger roles due to injuries last year, providing much needed depth behind those veterans.
Nebraska’s defense improved more than any in college football last year and much of that was because of their defensive line. They lose some depth but return five of their top six defensive linemen headlined by DT Nash Hutmacher and DE Ty Robinson.
6) Iowa
Offensive Line: B // Defensive Line: A-
Iowa’s offensive line was decimated by injury last year, slowing down an already sluggish offense. The good news is all five of the Hawkeyes’ week 1 starters return. And with their litany of injuries, a lot of backups got critical experience in 2023. Iowa also adds Cade Borud who was a Freshman All-American for North Dakota last year. He will compete for snaps along the interior.
As always, Iowa will have a terrific defensive line in 2024. They lose Joe Evans and Logan Lee but return potential All-Big Ten players in DT Yahya Black and DE Deontae Craig. Aaron Graves was a top-200 prospect in 2022 and figures to step up into a starting role alongside Black – he could be in for a huge season. And with ample depth at DE thanks to Iowa’s heavy rotation at the position, this unit doesn’t have much of a weakness.
7) Rutgers
Offensive Line: B // Defensive Line: B
Rutgers is in position to make some real noise in 2024. Their offensive line, which helped pave the way for the Big Ten’s leading rusher despite no help from the QB position, returns four starters – three of which earned Big Ten Honorable Mention last year. I think LT Hollin Pierce is a future NFL starter. The competition to replace RG Curtis Dunlap is still up in the air, but the Scarlet Knight offensive line should continue to improve under Greg Schiano.
With three key contributors departing, the defensive line is the only position group which has to endure major turnover. Even so, the unit is shaping up nicely. Aaron Lewis & Wesley Bailey are an incredibly underrated duo on the edge. Schiano also added three defensive ends in the 2024 class. Kyonte Hamilton is ready to break out at DT. That position also gets a boost with the arrival of Malcolm Ray, who appeared in every game with 12 starts over the past three seasons for Florida State.
8) Minnesota
Offensive Line: B- // Defensive Line: B
I think the Gophers are set up for a surprise 2024 seasons and a lot of that has to do with how much they return in trenches. Their offensive line returns four starters who have a combined 76 starts over the past two seasons. Sixth-year Quinn Carroll could move from tackle to guard, opening up a lot of possibilities with guys like Martes Lewis and incoming top-200 prospect Nathan Roy.
The Gopher defensive line didn’t get any additions via the portal, but they lost only one guy who played meaningful snaps last season. Minnesota doesn’t appear to have any elite talent on the interior, but Deven Eastern, Logan Richter, and Darnell Jefferies are a formidable trio. Jack Joyner earned Big Ten Honorable mention on the edge last season and could be in for a big year in his fifth season. If not, there is still ample depth behind him to maintain a four-man rotation throughout the season. That being said, it can’t be forgotten how much this line got pushed around last year. I’m banking on a lot of player development under new DC Corey Hetherman.
9) Wisconsin
Offensive Line: B+// Defensive Line: C
Luke Fickell’s first season didn’t go quite as planned and a lot of it had to do with the Badgers’ struggles along the line of scrimmage – a strange sight for the traditionally tough-nosed brand of Wisconsin football. Their offensive line should take a big step forward in 2024 though. They return three starters from last year, headlined by future NFL starter Jack Nelson at left tackle. They also get one of the best centers in the country back in Jack Renfro. He was 1st-team All-AAC at Cincinnati in 2021 but missed the past two seasons due to injury. He was finally available in Wisconsin’s bowl game against LSU and played well.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the same level of confidence in the development of Wisconsin’s defensive line. In Luke Fickell’s 3-3-5/3-2-6 hybrid defense, a lot of pressure is put on those three down linemen to eat up blocks and plug the running gaps. The Badgers return only one defensive linemen who had more than one sack last year and lose their top DT in Rodas Johnson. Albany transfer Elijah Hills is a name to watch, but this unit is starved of the depth and size you expect from a Badger front.
10) Purdue
Offensive Line: B+ // Defensive Line: C
Purdue’s offensive line is quietly one of the Big Ten’s best. They return four starters, most notably center Gus Hartwig who has 36 career starters and is finally 100% healthy for the first time since 2021. They also brought in four transfers, all with starting experience, and had six offensive linemen in their 2024 class. An offensive line that was beaten down by injury in 2023 now has the experience and depth to withstand the long season.
Purdue’s defensive line has a similar responsibility to Wisconsin’s in Ryan Walters’ 3-4 scheme, needing to occupy opposing offensive lines to let the athletes in the back-end make plays. The Boiler defensive line wasn’t up to the task last year and didn’t add any noteworthy names in their 2024 class or via the transfer portal. Cole Brevard and Mo Omonode return as co-starters at nose tackle, but they are a bit undersized and combined for only 23 tackles last year. Joe Anderson, Joe Strickland, & Jeffrey M’Ba return as the primary ends, but this unit is lacking the star power that the defense needs in order to become elite.
11) Indiana
Offensive Line: C // Defensive Line: B
New head coach Curt Cignetti did his best to replenish the talent on both the offensive and defensive lines via the transfer portal. Their offensive line returns only two starters, but it’s two mainstays. Carter Smith started every game at LT last year while guard Mike Katic enters his sixth season and has 37 career starts to his name. He could slide over to center to fill a need there. The Hoosiers don’t return much experience on the line outside of those two, but they brought in three transfers who have a combined 71 career starts. Depth is a major concern here, but it looks like Indiana should be able to field a formidable starting 5.
The defensive line is exciting despite losing their top DE and DT. They bring in a pair on all-conference tackles via the portal in James Carpenter and CJ West. With former 4-star prospect Marcus Burris Jr returning too, the Hoosiers should have a strong three-man rotation on the interior of their defensive line. They also return Lanell Carr Jr and Jacob Magnum-Farrar at DE, who have over 200 career tackles combined. Throw in the addition of 2nd-team All-Sun Belt Mikail Kamara from JMU and this defensive line is looking strong.
12) Michigan State
Offensive Line: C // Defensive Line: B
Michigan State’s offensive line was looking much stronger before the post-spring transfers of projected starters Ethan Boyd & Geno VanDeMark. Even so, this unit figures to at least take a step in the right direction after last year’s disastrous campaign. The offensive line looked much better, deeper, and more physical in the spring than they did at any point in 2023. Due to injuries, lots of guys saw meaningful snaps and that should help this unit develop more this year. They also brought in a couple solid guards in 2nd-team All-Pac 12 Tanner Miller and FCS All-American Luke Newman. Even so, I think this unit is a year away from becoming one of the better lines in the conference.
The Spartans are deep at defensive end with the return of Khris Bogle & Avery Dunn plus the arrival of All-CUSA Quindarius Dunnigan from MTSU. That trio has combined for 39 TFLs and 18 sacks in their careers. Jalen Thompson is another name to know. He was a 4-star prospect in the 2023 class and came on late in the season, starting the final four games and racking up 4.5 TFLs and two sacks. Defensive tackle isn’t quite as strong thanks to Simeon Barrow Jr & Derrick Harmon transferring out. But Maverick Hansen returns for a sixth season and three transfers come in to help back him up.
13) Northwestern
Offensive Line: C- // Defensive Line: B-
Josh Priebe was by far Northwestern’s best offensive lineman in 2023 and he transferred off to Michigan. Caleb Tiernan and Josh Thompson are a solid duo at tackle, but I’m not sure where the Wildcats will turn along the interior. Center Ben Wrath is a returning starter, but he struggled mightily last season. Jordan Knox (a consensus top-300 prospect in 2023) is a safe bet to grab one of the three available starting spots, but there isn’t much experience or talent to pick from for the other spots. It doesn’t help that Northwestern’s only transfer addition on the offensive line was Matt Keeler, a backup at Texas Tech.
The outlook for the Wildcats’ defensive line is a little brighter, with all key contributors returning for 2024. Richie Hagarty, Aidan Hubbard, Sean McLaughlin, & Anto Saka combined for over 20 TFLs and 15 sacks at defensive end last year. Carmine Bastone had an outstanding outing in the bowl game vs Utah and looks poised to take a step forward as a potential All-Big Ten defensive tackle. Northwestern didn’t manage to bring in any transfers on the defensive front, but they appear to have enough experience to remain a relatively strong unit.
14) USC
Offensive Line: C+ // Defensive Line: C
USC’s play along the line of scrimmage has been their Achilles heel since Lincoln Riley took over. It won’t get any easier in the Big Ten. The Trojans return just two starters on the offensive line and had two projected starters transfer in the spring. Lincoln Riley has managed to bring in 10 new linemen over the past two recruiting class – seven of which are still with the program. They have one of the Big Ten’s best left tackles in Jonah Monheim and bring back guard Gino Quinones from injury. USC’s offensive line is certainly deeper than years past, but I think it’s still a year away from becoming one of the conference’s best.
The Trojans’ defensive line was looking much better until the post-spring departures of Isaiah Raikes and Stanley Ta’ufo’ou at defensive tackle. Bear Alexander is one of the Big Ten’s best tackles, but it’s looking like only true and redshirt freshmen behind him. USC has some depth at DE with guys like Jamil Muhammad and Anthony Lucas, but the defensive line is still severely lacking size which is going to take multiple years to fix.
15) UCLA
Offensive Line: C- // Defensive Line: C
UCLA’s offensive line was absolutely dismal last season. They return three starters, most notably sixth-year senior Spencer Holstege. Holstege has 27 starts over the past two seasons at Purdue (where he earned Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2022) and UCLA. The Bruins brought in a couple fifth-year transfers who have a 15 career starts between them. But no one else on the offensive line has a start to their name. Even though the unit is trending up, I see UCLA struggling against these Big Ten fronts like most of the conference’s new members.
It doesn’t get much better on the defensive side, with all four starters from last year’s line gone. They brought in five transfers at DE, but only one of them has D1 starting experience. They return four tackles that saw meaningful snaps last year, so depth doesn’t seem like a major issue for this unit. Even so, I’m not seeing the play-makers they need to make up for all of their lost production.
16) Maryland
Offensive Line: D+ // Defensive Line: B-
Maryland has struggled on the offensive line more than arguably any other Big Ten school over the past few seasons. 2024 doesn’t project to be much different, as they return only one starter from last year’s unit. The Terps do return some depth with guys like Conor Fagan, Marcus Dumervil, and Andre Roye all seeing meaningful snaps last year. But there was a reason Maryland couldn’t settle on a full-time starting five at all last year. Mike Locksley brought in three transfer additions, but only one has seen a start at the D1 level. With nine offensive line additions in the 2024 recruiting class, the unit seems to finally be trending up. But this is not the year for Maryland to finally turn around their offensive line woes.
The good news is that the Terps return everyone from their defensive line. Sixth-year senior Quashon Fuller will need to build on his breakout season last year and shoulder much of the pass-rush duty, as none of his top backups have registered a sack. But their interior is very strong. Jordan Phillips, Tommy Akingbesote, Taizse Johnson, & Isaac Bunyun are all capable of starting.
17) Illinois
Offensive Line: C // Defensive Line: D+
The Illini return both starting guards and their starting center, forming a solid foundation for the offensive line. They also brought in Michigan State transfer Kevin Wigenton, who started six games last year, to add depth. But tackle is a major question mark with longtime starters Julian Pearl and Isaiah Adams both off to the NFL. Magnus Moller projects as the top returning backup, but he has not played in a game yet. They brought in Melvin Prisetly from Grambling State, but he had a big problem with penalties even at the FCS level. The interior line looks solid, but I’m afraid QB Luke Altmyer will be running for his life again without any experience at offensive tackle.
It gets worse on the defensive line, where they bid farewell to the backbone of this defensive front over the past three seasons in Johnny Newton & Keith Randolph. TeRah Edwards is the only returning defensive lineman with more than one career tackle to his name and could be in for a big season. FSU tranfer Dennis Briggs Jr is going to assume Newton’s role as the top pass-rusher. He has 46 QB pressures over the past three seasons. But outside of Briggs and Edwards, this unit is void of any experience or proven talent.
18) Washington
Offensive Line: D // Defensive Line: C-
Washington’s offensive line situation is the most dire out of any Big Ten school. They lose their top six guys from last year’s Joe Moore Award winning unit. They brought in two transfers, but they have only seven combined starts. Fifth-year senior Gaard Memmelaar is the top returner, but he missed all of last year due to injury and appeared in only four games in 2022. Outside of Memmelaar and the two transfers, everyone else contending for meaningful snaps is either a true or redshirt freshman. That is not a good sign for an offensive line who is facing a massive step up in competition in these Big Ten defenses.
The Husky defensive line also loses all four starters from last year. The good news is they return a little more experience and brought in more talent via the portal than their offensive counterpart. Isaiah Ward & Russel Davis transfer from Arizona after combining for 46 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, & 7.5 sacks last season. They should be Washington’s top pass-rushers along with Voi Tunnuufi, who has played in every game over the past two seasons. Jacob Bandes is entering his seventh collegiate season and should finally take over a starting role after playing in every game over the past four seasons. But the other starting tackle position is a mystery. I’d favor transfer Sebastian Valdez, who earned all-conference honors in each of the past two seasons at Montana State. Depth isn’t as much of an issue of the defensive line as it is on offense, but I don’t see any way this unit can make up for the production they lost to the NFL.