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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

2023 Buckeyes Wire Preseason All-Big Ten team: Offensive Linemen

The 2023 college football season is right around the corner and the Big Ten is loaded with top-notch talent and predicting who will end up on the All-Big Ten has proven challenging. Not only was it hard to choose one player over another, but it was also hard to admit that the Michigan Wolverines have a number of studs that will potentially wreak havoc on the rest of the conference.

This list is going to dive into the offensive linemen and as expected the Big Ten has some dominant offensive linemen that make it very hard to narrow it down to just five. This list will not make Ohio State fans happy, but the reality is there is some elite talent in the trenches of the Big Ten.

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In the age of the transfer portal, it is possible for a complete dark horse to rise as a frontrunner, but we will do our best to provide the most educated guess based on previous performances and situations.

Center: Drake Nugent, Michigan

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Pick

The transfer portal has blessed the Wolverines with another pivotal piece at the pivot position in Drake Nugent from Stanford. Nugent was the missing piece to make the Michigan offensive line an elite unit in 2023.

Offensive Line: Julian Pearl, Illinois

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Pick

Julian Pearl is a former defensive lineman with unique athleticism and ideal length to continue to dominate in the Big Ten. He likely would have been an early-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Offensive Lineman: Zak Zinter, Michigan

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Pick

Zak Zinter would have likely been a high draft selection in 2023, but the dominant guard returns for another season to pave the way for the Wolverines. Zinter has an elite resume with two first-team All-Big Ten nods to go with his two Big Ten Championship rings.

Offensive Lineman: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Penn State Whiteout. USA TODAY Sports

Why the Pick

Olumuyiwa Fashanu would have likely been a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft and he will likely have another dominant season in 2023 as he is one of the most elite pass protectors in the country.

Offensive Lineman: Nolan Rucci, Wisconsin

Why the Pick

Nolan Rucci spent the majority of spring on the second team, but the former five-star recruit was the highest-ranked recruit on the Wisconsin offensive line and could be a player ready to surprise.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on Twitter.

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