The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Offensive Line

SAN JOSE, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: The Air Force offensive line waits for the snap in the game between the Air Force Falcons and the San Jose State Spartans on September 22, 2023, at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

We have reached the point in the off-season where spring football has concluded and fans are starting to have a better understanding of what their team’s depth chart may look like. With that, we are going to start looking at specific position groups across the PAC 12 and Mountain West. With our coverage shifting to two different conferences, it will be impossible to cover all 18 teams in one article each week. For that reason, we are going to focus on a couple of teams that fit the bill in each category. Over the past two weeks, we have talked about quarterbacks and running backs. This week, we are going to shift our attention to the offensive line.

The Good

Air Force

If there is one thing we can count on it is disciplined, tough offensive line play from Air Force. To no one’s surprise, the Falcons led the Mountain West in rushing last season and return a fair amount of production in the trenches. The last few years have been a struggle for Air Force, but this feels like the year where they will get things back on track. And it starts with elite play on the offensive line.

San Diego State

The Aztecs had a resurgent year in 2025, thanks in large part to a strong rushing attack that finished second in the Mountain West. The Aztecs also did an excellent job protecting their quarterback, surrendering only 18 sacks on the season. The Aztecs should bring with them to the PAC 12 an experienced offensive line that is ready to compete with the top teams in the league.

The Bad

Boise State

I’m sure Boise State’s offensive line will end up being fine. However, they lost their starting left tackle (Kage Casey) to the NFL and are also breaking in a new center. It is hard to look at a unit that will be breaking in new starters at the two most important positions on the offensive line and feel confident. However, if this unit can find a way to gel early, they should have one of the best rushing attacks in the country with the electric tandem of Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines.

San Jose State

It has been a trend with this program over the last five or six years, but the offensive line just hasn’t really clicked, and it has kept the Spartans from reaching a level where they can compete with the top teams in the conference on a consistent basis. Last season, the Spartans did show some improvement, giving up the fewest sacks in the conference. But I’m worried that the new faces on this unit will take a step back and keep this team from competing with the UNLVs and North Dakota States of the world.

The Ugly

Colorado State

The 2024 season was a resurgent rushing year and it seemed like Colorado State was starting to find a new identity as a program with a balanced offense. But then the 2025 season came around. The Rams struggled to get any push, and their quarterback was taking a beating in the backfield. The Rams finished last in the Mountain West in yards per carry, averaging only 3.58 yards per attempt. Sure, it’s a new head coach and Jim Mora’s staff brings with it a new identity. But they are going to have a tough schedule in the new PAC 12, and the current offensive line hasn’t faced this type of competition.

Hawaii

For an offense that was pretty electric, the Rainbow Warrior offensive line sure did struggle last season, and its hard to feel much better about this unit this fall. Last year, Hawaii was last in the conference in rushing, averaging only 103 yards per game. Sure, they want to be a pass first offense, but you would expect that to open up your rushing attack and averaging 3.6 yards per carry doesn’t cut it. A lot of pundits believe this team can be a realistic contender for the Mountain West title, but they will need to be better in the trenches if they want to hoist up the hardware in December.

How do you feel about your team’s offensive line? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.