Most college football programs, including those in the NFL, prioritize building a strong offensive and defensive line. Today, we are focusing specifically on which college football program is winning the recruiting battle for the top class of 2026 offensive linemen recruits.

The offensive line is the foundation for anyone looking to have a winning program. Without it, chaos can ensue, as skilled position players won’t be able to perform well due to a lack of time to execute or showcase their abilities.

During our rankings, we’ve noticed a trend where college football programs are dominating certain position groups in the Lone Star State and winning the recruiting battle against other schools for the state’s rich talent pool of elite recruits.

So, which schools are ‘winning in the trenches’? Well, at this time, two schools do stand out.

photo:arkansasrazorbacks.com

Arkansas Razorbacks

The Razorbacks have long viewed Texas as a prime recruiting ground, attracting some of the state’s and nation’s top talents. It’s no wonder, given Arkansas’s historic program, excellent facilities, and passionate fanbase, that recruits are drawn to them. The two offensive linemen who have committed to the Razorbacks are Prosper’s own four-star Bryce Gilmore (6-5 / 297 lbs) and Ridge Point’s three-star Hugh Smith (6-4 / 290 lbs). Both players have earned spots in our top 25 rankings, standing out among their peers as some of the state’s most talented players in the trenches. Gilmore had offers from 40 Division I schools but ultimately chose the Razorbacks as his next home at the collegiate level. Smith, another top recruit, was a key player on the interior of the offensive line, and the Razorbacks appreciate their big men; Hugh certainly fits the bill at 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 lbs.

photo:texaslonghornscom

Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns have long focused on the offensive line as a key aspect of their team. Offensive coordinator and line coach Kyle Flood has an impressive track record of recruiting and developing top talent. The Longhorns had several players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Kelvin Banks Jr. going 9th overall to the New Orleans Saints. Banks is a Texas high school football native from Humble, TX, where he played for Summer Creek. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has committed to recruiting players from their own backyard, effectively dominating the recruiting scene in Texas. Many would argue that they have succeeded in this endeavor over the years.

This year, they secured commitments from Melissa High School’s 6-foot-6, 290-pound Max Wright and Klein High School’s Nicolas Robertson. Wright is a four-star rated offensive lineman and an intimidating presence, even just stepping off the school bus. He has a long frame with long arms and is a bulldozer in the run game. Robertson is another four-star-rated interior offensive lineman who can move the pile among the best. He is extremely athletic and nimble for his size, standing at 6-foot-3 and over 300 pounds. The Longhorns have done a solid job of securing some of the Lone Star State’s best offensive line prospects for future development.