No position groups operate more as a unit than the offensive line. The state of Texas is home to some of the best, and most experienced, offensive lines in the country. The usual suspects top the charts, but AAC programs such as SMU and UTSA are not too far behind. Texas and Texas A&M lead the way heading into the 2023 thanks to blue-chip recruiting. Big 12 rivals Baylor, TCU, and Texas Tech are also in the mix. 

Previous rankings: QB | RB | WR/TE 

TOP FIVE 

1. TEXAS LONGHORNS

The players: OT Kelvin Banks, OT Christian Jones, OG Hayden Conner, OC Jake Majors 

The Longhorns bring back the entire starting five from the 2022 season. Those five average 20.1 starts each in burnt orange. The optimism on the 40 Acres is boiling because of the potential along the offensive line. Kyle Flood says he’s confident that eight of his Texas offensive linemen can start games without a drop off. Backups such as DJ Campbell might force themselves onto the field – that’s how deep this unit is heading into the season. Banks is the true star at left tackle and the one player the Longhorns can’t replace on offense. 

2. TEXAS A&M AGGIES 

The players: OC Bryce Foster, OG Layden Robinson, OG Kam Dewberry, OT Reuben Fatheree III

No team in the Lone Star State outside of the Longhorns recruit the offensive line better than the Aggies. The interior of the offensive line should be stout, especially if Foster stays healthy. The Aggies were a different unit with him struggling with injuries and illness throughout 2022. He’ll be flanked by two potential NFL players at guard in Robinson and Dewberry. The only real question marks are on the outside, but Fatheree was solid as a freshman two years ago and Zuhn has plenty of potential. Expect a step forward from this group in 2023.  

3. BAYLOR BEARS 

The players: OC Clark Barrington, LT Campbell Barrington, OG Gavin Byers 

Baylor loses a lot of production from its offensive line, but a combination of returning experience and additions through the portal should put the Bears back into the conversation for best offensive line in Texas. The Barrington brothers – transfers from BYU – know the system and stabilize the front at the two most important positions in the trenches – left tackle and center. The return of Byers at left guard provides leadership. Tate Williams (RG) and Elijah Ellis (RT) are expected to round out the starting lineup. Depth could be a concern. 

4. TCU HORNED FROGS 

The players: OT Brandon Coleman, OT Andre Coker, OL Patrick Willis

If it weren’t for Banks and Jones at Texas, TCU would be returning the best pair of bookend offensive tackles in Texas – and the Big 12. Coleman and Coker started every game on the outside as TCU marched to the national championship game. They’ll provide stability for new quarterback Chandler Morris and a host of new names on the interior of the line. Jackson State transfer Willis can slide in at center or guard. TCU also likes the experience and development of Garrett Hayes and John Lanz. 

5. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS 

The players: OG Cole Spencer, OC Rusty Staats, OT Monroe Mills 

The Red Raiders return all five starters from last year’s offensive line while adding Spencer and Staats – two players who started for offensive coordinator Zach Kittley when he was at Western Kentucky. Spencer arrived last year but missed the 2022 season while recovering from injury. He’ll start at left guard while Staats slides into the starting center positin, which allows Dennis Wilburn to play right guard. Mills and Caleb Rogers are still the starting tackles, but they’re flipping sides with Mills scheduled to play left tackle this year. 

BEST OF THE REST 

6. SMU MUSTANGS 
7. UTSA ROADRUNNERS
8. HOUSTON COUGARS 
9. NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN
10. UTEP MINERS
11. RICE OWLS
12. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS
13. SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS