Cincinnati’s Top High School Offensive Linemen for 2026

Why the offensive line is crucial for high school football

Offensive linemen often do the thankless work that keeps a offense functioning. They create running lanes, protect the signal caller, and set the tone for each play. In a region where scoring is high, a strong front five can still determine whether a team rises early or struggles to keep up. The players highlighted here are the ones most likely to shape both local seasons and future college trajectories.

Standout offensive linemen delivering this season

Connor Abercrombie, a senior from Campbell County, is a key figure under first‑year coach Rick Honaker. He offers the ability to dominate in the running game and contribute to the passing attack, with the versatility to pancake defenders or execute swing blocks. Abercrombie holds offers from Centre College, Wabash, Wilmington, and McPherson.

Lual Aleu, the right‑side anchor for Winton Woods, works relentlessly and consistently yields positive gains when the Warriors run the ball behind him. The University of Missouri commit is elite at protecting his quarterback and stands at 6‑foot‑4, 295 pounds. Aleu’s performance has earned him a ranking of 41st among Ohio prospects.

Tate Bartlett plays center for Wyoming, a position often overlooked but vital to the offense. A second‑team all‑league selection as a junior, he brings quick off‑the‑ball speed and excellent communication, regularly calling out blocking assignments. With the Cowboys aiming to regain Cincinnati Hills League top honors, Bartlett’s instincts are crucial for the line’s cohesion.

Teagan Haretuku, a 6‑foot‑2, 280‑pound lineman at Anderson, was a first‑team All‑Eastern Cincinnati Conference pick as a junior. The Raptors posted 42.7 points per game in 2025, and Haretuku’s dominance in the trenches was a major factor in that scoring explosion. He is one of two impact seniors expected to lead Anderson’s line this fall.

Kal‑El Johnson has become one of the state’s premier offensive linemen at Moeller. At 6‑foot‑8 and 320 pounds, he is rated the 14th best player in Ohio by 247Sports and is committed to Georgia Tech. Johnson, along with two other Moeller linemen heading to Division I programs, will be a cornerstone of the Crusaders’ aspirations for a regional final run.

Jonny Lind, senior at Covington Catholic, was a key factor in the Colonels’ 2025 campaign. He blocked for a top dual‑threat quarterback, Cash Harney, and a premier running back, Dylan Gaiser, contributing to over 5,800 yards of total offense and a deep postseason run. Lind has pledged to play for the Army program after also drawing interest from Navy, Colgate, Eastern Kentucky, and Lehigh.

Ryan Massie‑Cable, a 6‑foot‑4, 295‑pound senior at Taylor, offered both defensive and offensive value. In 2025 he posted 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks while the Yellow Jackets gained 1,607 passing yards and 2,054 rushing yards behind him. Massie‑Cable, ranked 43rd in Ohio by 247Sports, is committed to the University of Cincinnati.

Reilly Newman, bound for the University of Iowa, provides multiple skill sets for Lakota West. At 6‑foot‑7 and 264 pounds he recorded 48 tackles and two fumble recoveries on defense, and he is agile enough to fill various offensive blocking roles. Newman’s long arms also help him swat passes and block kicks, earning him Greater Miami Conference first‑team honors and an All‑Ohio second‑team selection.

Patrick O’Brien, another Moeller interior lineman, stands 6‑foot‑6 and weighs 290 pounds. The Purdue University commit is rated 33rd best in Ohio and brings power to the line of scrimmage while also being able to work downfield on sweep plays. O’Brien’s presence is expected to be a major factor for the Crusaders’ offensive line depth.

Kris Scott, senior at Taft, anchored a defense that shut out seven opponents in a historic 2025 run. He currently holds offers from Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech, among others, and is ranked 14th overall in Ohio for the class of 2028. Scott’s versatility and high‑major interest highlight Taft’s resurgence on the field.

Rising talent to watch for the future

• Logan Bellman – McNicholas
• Kingston Brockett – Beechwood
• Noah Brown – East Central
• Nick Cassaro – Elder
• Andrew Cramerding – St. Xavier
• Jaden Freeman – Princeton
• Quinn Gagen – Anderson
• Andrew Ghabrial – CHCA
• Emmanuel Gibbs – Western Brown
• Hollis Hofman – Talawanda
• Andy Hutton – Mason
• Blake Longstreth – MVCA
• Leo Martin – Indian Hill
• Bryton McNamee – New Miami
• Sir Michael Miller – CCPA
• Jace Montgomery – Moeller
• Max Neumann – Ryle
• Max Parsons – Ryle
• Hayden Peters – Goshen
• Austin Schultz – Fairfield
• Andrew Swope – Highlands
• Owen Wells – Kings
• Kevonte Whitiker – North College Hill
• Trey Woodward – Colerain

Cast your vote for the city’s best lineman

Voters can pick the top offensive lineman in the city through the poll at the bottom of the original coverage. Participation is open once per hour, and the poll will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 24. Your vote helps highlight which player is delivering the most impact across the Greater Cincinnati high school gridiron.

Who is the top offensive lineman in Greater Cincinnati high school football

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vote on top offensive linemen in high school football preseason