Top 10 returning offensive linemen to watch out for ahead of 2024 CFB season ft. Will Campbell

College football reveals a singular truth – nothing good happens without offensive linemen. No aerial bombardment, no hard-earned ground gains happen without offensive linemen.

They used to be dubbed 'big uglies' but the men up front paved the way for all manner of offensive success. Here are 10 returning OL standouts for the 2024 season.

Top 10 returning offensive linemen to watch out for in 2024

After a transfer to Iowa and a return to Alabama, Kadyn Proctor could shine this fall for the Tide.

#10 Eli Cox, Kentucky

Cox is a versatile run-game beast for Kentucky. He can play center or guard and is an experienced player with a nasty streak. Cox will be the trendsetter up front for Kentucky's offense.

While the Wildcats aren't necessarily known for high-scoring outputs, they are notable for physical play up front. Cox continues that tradition.

#9 Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Proctor had a wild offseason, to say the least. He was the top tackle prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and played left tackle for Alabama through the 2023 season.

He's massive (6-foot-7, 360 pounds) and played well, albeit with room to improve. He transferred to Iowa but then transferred back to Alabama again. After the chaos, don't be surprised if Proctor stars this fall.

#8 Ajani Cornelius, Oregon

Cornelius moved from playing at FCS Rhode Island to starting at Oregon last fall. He played right tackle for Oregon and didn't allow a sack all season. He's back for another year and can only improve his already impressive NFL stock in 2024. The move to the Big Ten will give Corelius a chance to shine on an even bigger stage.

#7 Tyler Booker, Alabama

Booker is massive (350 pounds) and versatile. The expectation is that he'll play inside, possibly even beside Proctor at left guard for Alabama this fall. He's both sturdy in pass protection and physical up front in the running game.

Booker is an outstanding leader and should make his mark with another positive contribution in 2024.

#6 Tate Rutledge, Georgia

A ferocious and physical right guard, Rutledge has already started 28 games at the position. Given his experience and physical play, Rutledge is a safe bet to spend the 2024 season opening up massive holes for UGA's running backs.

The Bulldogs' rise to arguably the top program in college football didn't come without some outstanding work up front, with Rutledge contributing plenty of it.

#5 Clay Webb, Jacksonville State

Probably the best lineman you never heard of, Webb was an All-American last year at CUSA Jacksonville State. Webb sat on the bench at Georgia and made his move to get a chance to play.

It's a chance he hasn't taken lightly. A star at left guard, don't expect Webb to get any headlines. But do expect him to have another All-American caliber season for the Gamecocks.

#4 Darius Washington, Florida State

Washington is a versatile standout who can shine inside or outside on the offensive line. His 37 starts attest to his experience. If he can be more consistent for the Seminoles this fall, FSU could well end up in the College Football Playoff this season.

It'll be interesting to see where Washington sees snaps this season, but he'll shine anywhere.

#3 Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

A superb guard, Jackson is a physical grinder who opens up big-play runs for OSU's outstanding backs. Transfer Quinshon Judkins has probably never run behind a better blocker than Jackson, and that combination could lift the Buckeyes back atop the Big Ten this fall.

#2 Kelvin Banks, Texas

Banks is another outstanding offensive line prospect. Protecting the blind side of Quinn Ewers has been a great proving ground for the two-year starter.

Banks might be the top pass blocker in the class, but he needs to shore up his work on the ground. The good news is that the SEC will certainly afford him that opportunity.

#1 Will Campbell, LSU

The nation's top offensive line prospect, all Campbell did a year ago was set the edge for Jayden Daniels and LSU in brilliant fashion. The mammoth tackle did not allow a single sack and is one of the top run-and-pass blockers in football. All the next-level tools are there for Campbell. He's on track for a brilliant 2024.

Which offensive line stars are you looking to see in 2024? Let's hear your thoughts below in our comments section!