By Mmesoma 
ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy is standing firm on his ranking of the Crimson Tide’s offensive line as one of the top 10 units in the nation heading into the 2025 season.
McElroy recently released his list of the top offensive lines in college football, placing Alabama at No. 6 — a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts, particularly after a season that saw Alabama’s line struggle early before gaining momentum late in the year.
But for McElroy, the placement isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about the facts.
> “People can question it all they want, but Alabama’s offensive line is absolutely deserving of a top-10 spot,” McElroy said on his podcast Always College Football. “When you look at the experience, the talent, and the coaching under Kalen DeBoer, this group has everything you want in a dominant front five.”
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Why Alabama Made the Cut
McElroy pointed to several key reasons for Alabama’s high ranking:
Kadyn Proctor, the former five-star recruit and returning left tackle, is projected as a future first-round pick after a strong 2024 campaign.
Cohesion among the interior line, with multiple returning starters including Javion Cohen and Jaeden Roberts, brings stability and leadership.
Coaching influence, with new offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic helping to instill physicality and discipline in a previously inconsistent unit.
> “They got better every week last season. They were playing their best football by December, and that carries over,” McElroy said.
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A Reflection of Alabama’s Revival
This praise comes as Alabama continues to generate buzz heading into year two under head coach Kalen DeBoer. With an explosive offense and a top-5 recruiting class, the Tide are widely expected to contend for the SEC title — and it all starts in the trenches.
“Everyone talks about the skill positions, but Alabama’s offense doesn’t go anywhere if that line isn’t elite,” McElroy added. “And I believe it will be.”
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Skeptics Remain
Not all analysts agree with McElroy’s assessment. Critics have noted that Alabama’s line gave up key pressures in early games last year and struggled with penalties. Still, most acknowledge that the group improved significantly over time.
With preseason hype building and expectations rising, Alabama’s offensive line now has something to prove — and according to McElroy, they’re more than capable of doing just that.