Spring Football 2025: O-Line Outlook, Depth Chart, and Departures to Illinois As spring football heats up in 2025, teams across the country are fine-tuning their offensive lines, a critical unit that often determines a team’s success. With roster changes, transfers, and new talent stepping in, let’s take a deep dive into this year’s offensive line outlook, depth chart updates, and some notable departures to Illinois.Offensive Line Outlook the 2025 season brings both optimism and challenges for the offensive line. Several key starters have moved on to the NFL, and injuries from last season have left some questions regarding the stability of the unit. However, the return of a few experienced veterans and the arrival of highly rated recruits ensure there will be plenty of competition for starting spots.Coaching adjustments will also play a role in shaping this group. With a new offensive coordinator emphasizing a balanced attack, linemen will need to be versatile in both pass protection and run blocking. The focus in spring practices has been on improving footwork, communication, and developing depth to prepare for a long season.Projected Depth Chart left Tackle:Starter: James Holloway (Senior)Backup: Kyle Merriman (Redshirt Sophomore)Holloway brings experience and leadership to the line, anchoring the left side. Merriman has shown promise in limited reps and will push for playing time.Left Guard:Starter: Ben Carter (Junior)Backup: Tommy Reeves (Freshman)Carter steps into a full-time role after serving as a rotational player last season. Reeves is a highly touted recruit with impressive strength and agility.Center:Starter: Marcus Williams (Senior)Backup: Jaden Fields (Sophomore)Williams is the leader of the unit, responsible for making pre-snap calls and adjustments. Fields is developing well and could be the center of the future.Right Guard:Starter: Brandon McNeil (Redshirt Senior)Backup: Lucas Johnson (Junior)McNeil provides toughness and experience, while Johnson has improved significantly in the weight room and technique drills.Right Tackle:Starter: Anthony Rodriguez (Junior)Backup: Patrick Grant (Sophomore)Rodriguez has the athleticism to be a standout player, and Grant is an emerging talent who may see playing time in certain packages.Departures to Illinois one of the biggest stories of the off season has been the transfer movement to Illinois, which has become a destination for linemen looking for more playing time or a different system. Among the notable departures:Ethan Daniels (Guard): A two-year starter, Daniels opted to transfer after sensing a reduced role in the new offensive scheme. His physical presence will be missed in the interior line.Sam Fletcher (Tackle): Fletcher was a depth player who showed flashes of potential but sought a starting opportunity elsewhere.Mike Stevenson (Center): A backup center, Stevenson provides Illinois with depth and experience at a crucial position.Illinois’ coaching staff has been aggressive in the transfer portal, and these additions should help solidify their offensive front.Final Thoughts spring football is a time for growth, and this offensive line group has both challenges and potential. The projected starters have a mix of experience and young talent, and their performance in spring practices will be
