As we hit the preview portion of the 2024 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of what players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning offensive linemen in 2024.
These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, pro potential, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
Best Returning FCS OL
25. Delby Lemieux, Dartmouth
24. Ryan McKenna, William & Mary
23. Temi Ajirotutu, Villanova
22. Ozzie Hutchinson, UAlbany
21. Blake Whitmore, Western Carolina
20. Joey Lombard, South Dakota
19. JT Reed, Montana State
18. Hunter Zambrano, Illinois State
17. Chandler Kirton, Austin Peay
16. Evan Beerntsen, South Dakota State
15. Jaison Williams, Youngstown State
14. Reid Williams, Chattanooga
13. Justus Perkins, Montana State
12. Evan Roussel, Nicholls
11. Brandon Casey, Montana
10. Jared Penning, Northern Iowa
9. Nick Taiste, South Carolina State
8. Ryder Langsdale, Lafayette
7. Payton Collins, Eastern Kentucky
6. Charles Grant, William & Mary
5. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
4. Zack Gieg, SEMO
3. Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
Slater has started 35 straight games dating back to his true freshman season in 2021. The 6-foot-4, 306-pounder has been a mainstay at left guard besides a two-game stint at left tackle during the 2022 playoffs.
Slater, a 3-star recruit out of high school, now enters his senior year as a back-to-back First Team All-Big Sky selection and two-time All-American.
2. Marcus Wehr, Montana State
Wehr started the first seven games in 2022 before an injury. He returned last fall and put together an elite season that featured All-Big Sky First Team and All-American First Team accolades.
The 6-foot-4 and 292-pounder, now a sixth-year senior, was a master at his craft last year. PFF graded Wehr as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the FCS and FBS. His run-blocking grade also ranked No. 1 in all of Division 1 while his pass-blocking grade was No. 7 among FCS offensive tackles.
1. Gus Miller, South Dakota State
Miller has anchored the top FCS offensive line for the last two years. The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder is coming off a dynamite season, winning the Rimington Award as the best FCS center and earning First Team All-American honors. PFF ranked Miller as the No. 1-graded FCS center, including the best run-blocking grade.
Draft Scout released its early Top 150 rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft last month. Miller was the No. 124 overall prospect with a Day 3 projection.
