Previewing Auburn football’s offensive linemen going into preseason camp

Auburn football is entering the new season with a significant roster overhaul at a critical position. With only three offensive linemen returning from last year’s squad, the Tigers are deep into a full-scale rebuild.

Head coach Alex Golesh has moved aggressively to address these gaps, signing 14 offensive linemen since the conclusion of last season, with nine of those additions coming directly from the transfer portal. As fall camp approaches, here is a look at the personnel expected to compete for spots in the trenches.

The Young Core

The Tigers boast a group of rising talent that looks to solidify the future of the offensive line:

• Kail Ellis (So., IOL)
• Tai Buster (RS Fr., IOL)
• Jacobe Ward (RS Fr., IOL)
• Wilson Zierer (T)
• Mason Mathis (T)
• Bear McWhorter (IOL)
• Parker Pritchett (IOL)
• Mykall Lundy-Foster (IOL)

What to know: Kail Ellis made a splash last season, becoming the youngest player in college football to log a snap in an SEC contest. Though his rotation time dipped late in the year, he gained valuable experience against Oklahoma and Georgia. Wilson Zierer arrives as a 4-star prospect and the highest-ranked offensive line recruit in the 2026 class. Meanwhile, Mason Mathis and Mykall Lundy-Foster reunite with coach Alex Golesh after being part of his USF recruiting class, and Bear McWhorter adds to the depth after flipping his commitment from Michigan.

The Transfer and Veteran Presence

With an influx of experienced talent, the following players will be heavily involved in the competition for starting roles:

• Cole Best (Sr., IOL)
• Cole Skinner (Sr., IOL)
• Jo Simmons (Sr., T)
• Jack Leyrer (Sr., IOL/T)
• Jacob Strand (Sr., T)
• Stanton Ramil (Jr., T)
• Kenneth McManus IV (So., IOL)
• Deryc Plazz (So., IOL)
• TJ Hedrick (RS Fr., IOL/T)

What to know: Expect the transfers to push for immediate playing time. USF products Cole Best and Cole Skinner bring veteran leadership, with Best having served as the Bulls' starting center for two seasons. Jo Simmons arrives with high-stakes experience after starting every game for James Madison during their College Football Playoff run, and Stanton Ramil brings pedigree from Michigan State. Deryc Plazz impressed during spring practice following his move from Miami, and six-year veteran Jack Leyrer brings positional versatility from Stanford, having logged time at both guard and tackle.