As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 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 which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning offensive linemen in 2026.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
- Top Returning FCS Linebackers
- Top Returning FCS Wide Receivers
Best Returning FCS OL
35. Zaire Collier, UC Davis
34. Sean Wilson, Lafayette
33. Jack Ziebell, Northern Colorado
32. Sirri Kandiyeli, Southern Utah
31. Timothy Hogan, Elon
30. Rahfeeq Katumbusi, Eastern Illinois
29. Tyler Murray, Mercer
28. Justin Selbert, Princeton
27. Aidan Moe, Tarleton State
26. Colby Reph, Lehigh
25. Nicholas Nielsen, Youngstown State
24. Quaveon Davis, Jackson State
23. Burke Mastel, Montana State
22. Luke Roaten, Abilene Christian
21. Evans Bowling, San Diego
20. Charles Mackley, Butler
19. A.C. McMoore, North Carolina Central
18. Elijah Baker, Alabama State
17. Trace Thaden, North Dakota
16. Barrett Eddlemon, Princeton
15. Maicah Talavou, San Diego
14. Liam Becher, North Dakota
13. Spencer Doan, Harvard
12. Tre Alexander, Rhode Island
11. Cam Nolan, Holy Cross
RELATED: 2026 FCS Preseason Preview Central
10. Thomas O’Brien, Harvard
9. Braden Zimmer, Montana State
8. Aidan Palmer, Lehigh
7. Landon Woodard, Illinois State
6. Joshua Sales Jr., Austin Peay
5. Stryker Rashid, Idaho State
Rashid began his career at Utah Tech and was a starter as a redshirt freshman in 2023. He then transferred to Idaho State and became a key part of its high-octane offense. Rashid played over 800 snaps in 2024 and was named on the All-Big Sky Second Team. Last fall, the 6-foot-5 and 295-pound right tackle allowed no sacks and just one hit, according to PFF. He was limited to nine games, but Rashid was still recognized on the All-Conference First Team. Rashid also earned All-American honors from Stats Perform (2nd Team), AFCA (2nd Team), AP (2nd Team), and Phil Steele (1st Team).
4. Erik Gray, SFA
Gray is a two-year starter and is coming off a dominant season. The 6-foot-1 and 256-pound center allowed no sacks, no hits, and three hurries, according to PFF, grading out as a Top 5 FCS center. Gray racked up plenty of postseason accolades, including All-Southland Conference First Team honors and being named the Southland Offensive Lineman of the Year. His All-American accolades included nods on FCS Football Central’s Second Team, Stats Perform’s Third Team, AFCA’s Second Team, and AP Honorable Mention.
3. Quinten Christensen, South Dakota State
The NFL (and P4 programs) have had eyes on Christensen. Now entering his senior season, the 6-foot-5 and 300-pounder is a two-year starter at left tackle. He logged more than 800 snaps in 2024 and nearly 950 snaps last season. Per PFF, Christensen allowed only three sacks and one hit in 2025. He was named on the All-MVFC First Team while grabbing All-American honors from FCS Football Central (3rd Team), Stats Perform (2nd Team), AP (1st Team), and Phil Steele (2nd Team).
2. Desmeal Leigh, Youngstown State
Leigh has been YSU’s starting left tackle since his redshirt freshman season in 2023, logging nearly 2,400 snaps over the last three seasons. He’s a back-to-back All-MVFC selection, including Second Team honors in 2025. Last fall, the 6-foot-7 and 325-pound Ohio native allowed no sacks, no hits, and six hurries, according to PFF. Leigh earned Third Team All-American honors from FCS Football Central. Keep an eye on Leigh during the 2027 NFL Draft process as one of the top FCS prospects.
1. Titan Fleischmann, Montana State
Fleischmann is a back-to-back All-Big Sky and FCS All-American performer, doing so at two positions. He played nearly 1,000 snaps in each season, starring at right tackle in 2024 before bumping to right guard last fall as a key cog in the Bobcats hoisting the FCS national title. Per PFF, Fleischmann allowed just one sack and four hits in 2025. The 6-foot-4 and 300-pounder earned All-Conference First Team honors and racked up First Team All-American accolades from FCS Football Central, Stats Perform, AP, and Phil Steele.
