Welcome to the 2023 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 26, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Because team rosters are updated at different times across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2022 rosters
68: Omar Aigbedion, OL (So.) — Montana State
Aigbedion was a crucial part of MSU’s rushing attack last year after transferring in from Army Prep. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound freshman played 424 snaps in 13 total game appearances and three starts.
“We really like his strength and aggressiveness as an interior offensive lineman,” head coach Brent Vigen said when MSU signed Aigbedion.
That strength and aggressiveness helped the Bobcats and their new-look o-line rank No. 2 in FCS rushing offense (311.9 yards per game) and No. 3 in scoring offense (42.9 points per game).
Aigbedion had the highest PFF offensive grade for an FCS offensive guard (84.7). His 88.2 run-blocking grade was also No. 1. The 84.7 overall grade is the highest among all returning 2023 FCS offensive linemen.
The Bobcats had a young offensive line last fall, a unit that remained fully intact this offseason. They started a junior, three sophomores, and a freshman during the playoffs. Aigbedion played hundreds of snaps throughout the year as a freshman with some starting experience. Plus Marcus Wehr started the first seven games at left tackle as a sophomore before a season-ending injury.
MSU’s o-line has plenty of options to find its best starting five with depth rotating in. Add the two leading rushers in QBs Tommy Mellott (1,035 yards) and Sean Chambers (718 yards) returning, plus the leading RB Elijah Elliott (694 yards), plus a healthy Lane Sumner at RB (433 yards in five games) … and the Bobcats will own an elite rushing offense again.
