Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top returning offensive linemen to watch as the season approaches.

Ethan Posey, Brother Rice, Class of 2027

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive tackle didn’t allow a single sack during the 2025 season and anchored a Crusader rushing attack that saw starting back Jaylin Green, a St. Ambrose commit, eclipse 1,000 yards. Posey was an All-CCL/ESCC player in the Blue Division and helped lead Brother Rice over St. Rita in the Class 7A state title game. Posey has offers from West Virginia, Washington State and San Diego State.

Wyatt VanBoening, Carmel, Class of 2028

A massive sophomore, VanBoening stands 6 feet 7 inches and 285 pounds with an 84-inch wingspan. VanBoening provided protection for All-CCL/ESCC quarterback Trae Taylor, a Nebraska recruit who transferred to Millard South in Omaha over the offseason. VanBoening has Power 4 offers from Notre Dame, Tennessee, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa State, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin.

Kameron Rutlin, Fenwick, Class of 2027

An All-CCL/ESCC Honorable Mention in the White Division, Rutlin started every game on the offensive line and was a key contributor on defense for the Friars. The 6-foot-1, 265-pounder posted over 50 pancake blocks and helped lead Fenwick to the Class 6A state title. The Friars went 11-3 and beat East St. Louis for the championship.

Josiah Wallace, Glenbard West, Class of 2027

A three-star prospect and one of the top junior offensive line recruits in the state, Wallace committed to Northwestern on Feb. 11. At 6 feet 8 inches and 300 pounds, Wallace holds Power 4 offers from Purdue, Cincinnati and Kansas State. The soon-to-be senior helped lead the Hilltoppers to a 9-2 record and a 5-1 mark in conference games.

Corey Laga, Lemont, Class of 2027

Laga received an IHSFCA Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention and South Suburban Blue All-Conference recognition this past season. Laga, who also ranks as a three-star prospect, allowed only one sack in 10 games while finishing with 50 knockdowns. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has a plethora of Power 4 offers including from Illinois, Iowa State, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Kansas State.

Mason Halliman, Lincoln-Way East, Class of 2027

Halliman served as a primary protector for record-setting quarterback Jonas Williams, who signed with USC. The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder is a three-star prospect with Power 4 offers from Illinois, Iowa, Arizona State, Penn State, Ole Miss, Nebraska and many more. Halliman and the Griffins finished 9-3 and 5-2 in the Southwest Valley Blue.

Gavin Ericson-Staton, Montini, Class of 2027

A standout heavyweight wrestler who medaled in fourth at the Class 3A state tournament in the winter, Ericson-Staton started at right tackle and helped protect All-State quarterback Israel Abrams this past season. The Broncos, who’ve won 24 straight games and two straight state titles (3A 2024 and 4A 2025), set multiple school records on offense in the fall. Ericson-Staton is a three-star recruit.

Brogan Kjellesvik, Morris, Class of 2027

Kjellesvik, who earned All-Interstate 8 honors in the fall, is a three-year starter and anchored an offensive line that gained 3,089 yards on the ground. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder was named an IHSFCA Class 4A All-State Honorable Mention and helped lead Morris to the semifinal round. Kjellesvik was an JHN All-Area First Team selection.

Luke Injaychock, Nazareth, Class of 2027

One of the top interior offensive line prospect in his class, Injaychock earned an All-CCL/ESCC Honorable Mention and guided Nazareth to the 6A semifinals in 2025. At 6 feet 6 inches and 285 pounds, the versatile lineman played over 750 snaps without allowing a sack in the fall. Injaychock holds Power 4 offers from Ohio State, Missouri and Illinois and has scheduled official visits to each of those programs.

Christian Malachuk, Nazareth, Class of 2027

Christian is younger brother of former Nazareth quarterback Logan Malachuk, who’s now playing for Central Missouri. The 6-foot, 280-pounder was named an All-CCL/ESCC player as well as the CCL/ESCC Green Division’s Lineman of the Year and an IHSFCA Class 6A All-State Honorable Mention in the fall. Malachuk helped lead Nazareth to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the 6A state semifinals.