Top 10 Returning Interior Offensive Linemen for the 2025 College Football Season 🏈
With the conclusion of the 2024 college football season, it’s a thrilling time to look ahead to the 2025 campaign and spotlight some of the standout returning players at each position. This breakdown focuses on the interior offensive linemen, a critical core of any football team. In this group, many of the highest-rated players are returning, promising another exciting season of college football.
1. Jake Slaughter, Florida 🌟
Jake Slaughter has skyrocketed to the top of this list after an outstanding performance in his redshirt junior season. As the standout center for Florida, Slaughter was the only Power Five center to achieve over 80.0 PFF grades in both pass and run blocking. He faced a formidable lineup of defensive tackles, including highly touted prospects like Walter Nolen and Alfred Collins, who are likely to be early selections in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Slaughter posted an impressive overall PFF grade of 85.8 since 2023, putting him just behind Jackson Powers-Johnson among Power Five centers. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 308 pounds, his agility enables him to excel in a zone-blocking system.
"Florida’s Jake Slaughter has proven to be a reliable center in both pass protection and run blocking as we approach the 2025 season," said a sports analyst.
2. Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M 💪
Making waves in his first year with the Aggies, Reed-Adams quickly established himself as one of the top guards in college football. A transfer from Kansas, he ranked second only to Willie Lampkin of North Carolina in several key metrics, including overall grade and run-blocking efficiency.
Measuring 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, his power and versatility make him a threat in any running scheme. He led his peers in gap run-blocking grades and also performed impressively in zone schemes.
3. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon 🦆
Iapani Laloulu made a name for himself as a true freshman in 2023, setting a record for the lowest pressure rate allowed among Power Five guards. His versatility was highlighted as he played extensively at center, left guard, and right guard during his debut season.
Entering his sophomore year as Oregon’s starting center, Laloulu showcased impressive grades in both pass and run blocking, never yielding a sack throughout his career thus far.
"Laloulu is beginning to become a force at the second level," noted a sports commentator. "He’s definitely one to watch moving forward."
4. Logan Jones, Iowa 🐤
Logan Jones garnered recognition as the top-rated center within the Power Five, finishing with an overall grade of 83.6. He shined particularly in the run game, leading all centers with an 82.3 run-blocking grade. At just 293 pounds, his agility allows him to reach the second level with relative ease, showcasing the potential to excel in both pass protection and run blocking.
"Logan Jones is an athletic powerhouse, and his tape is filled with dominant performances," an NFL scout emphasized.
5. Connor Lew, Auburn 🐅
Following a stellar stint as a freshman, Connor Lew continued to elevate his game with an impressive sophomore season. He achieved a commendable overall grade of 76.4, placing him among the top centers in his conference. His consistency is highlighted by a remarkably low rate of allowed sacks and hits throughout his pass-blocking snaps.
"Watching Lew and his fellow linemen dominate the line of scrimmage is a sight to behold," remarked a college football analyst.
6. Cayden Green, Missouri 🌾
After a promising freshman year at Oklahoma, Cayden Green enhanced his game significantly after transferring to Missouri. In his sophomore year, he became one of the six Power Five guards who achieved top-75 grades in both pass protection and run blocking. With only one sack allowed across 676 career pass-blocking snaps, he stands as a promising talent in the league.
7. Parker Brailsford, Alabama 🏫
Brailsford entered the 2023 season as the pre-season favorite to excel among interior offensive linemen after a remarkable freshman season at Washington. Although his run-blocking grade experienced a decline, he still delivered impressive pass-blocking performance, tying for 11th among Power Five centers in his grades.
Characterized as an exceptional athlete, Brailsford is known for his explosive plays on the field.
"Watching Brailsford’s game evolve has been quite intriguing, and he continues to excel in his role," noted a fellow analyst.
8. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State 📏
Olaivavega Ioane made significant strides in his second season, ranking as one of the top guards in the Power Five. He received commendable grades in both pass and run blocking, showcasing his ability to dominate against defensive line talent. Weighing in at 348 pounds, his size gives him a clear advantage as he executes powerful blocks.
9. Tomas Rimac, Virginia Tech 🔄
The top transfer on this list, Rimac joins Virginia Tech after a solid season at West Virginia. With a strong overall grade, he performed exceptionally well in both pass protection and run blocking metrics. Rimac proved his worth by being a significant asset to his previous team and is set to make an impact in the upcoming season.
10. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama 🐘
Jaeden Roberts remains a formidable presence within the top 10 for his exceptional run-blocking skills. Known for his raw strength at 310 pounds, he consistently achieves impressive run-blocking grades, affirming his position as a powerful force on the offensive line.
Honorable Mention: Joshua Braun, Kentucky 🏴☠️
Joshua Braun, who has journeyed through Florida and Arkansas, now brings his talent to Kentucky. Following an excellent season characterized by strong pass protection grades, Braun is seen as a player to watch in the upcoming season. His ability to dominate in the trenches will be crucial for his team’s success moving forward.
In summary, the 2025 college football season holds great promise with these returning interior offensive linemen stepping up to show their prowess on the field. As fans, we look forward to watching them lead their respective teams in this new season! 🌟