College Football Powerhouse Makes Strong Argument To Be The New Offensive Line U

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The offensive line is arguably the most important position group on a football team. Yet, it rarely gets the recognition it deserves outside of the Joe Moore Award.

Most offensive linemen wouldn’t want it any other way as the position leans into the overlooked hero role. Lately, one Big Ten team has risen above the rest to become the new offensive line university (OL-U). That team is the defending champion, the Michigan Wolverines.

The Wolverines have the most former offensive linemen on an NFL roster, with 14. The next highest is 11, which is a four-way tie between LSU, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, and LSU. Alabama, Georgia, and TCU also have 10 former offensive linemen in the league.

Michigan has been dominant across the line of scrimmage over the past three seasons. The Wolverines have won two of the past three Joe Moore Awards, given annually to the top offensive line in the nation. Michigan is the first program to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

Michigan’s offensive line has paved the way for one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the nation. Running back Blake Corum has rushed for over 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons. The Wolverines dominated Washington’s defensive line as Michigan rushed for over 300 yards on their way to a national championship victory.

While others will continue to debate which university is the best at different position groups, it’s looking pretty clear that OL-U is Michigan as of the past few seasons.