Head Coach Neal Brown has expressed serious concerns about the offensive line of the North Texas Mean Green as they gear up for the 2026 season. After a recent practice, Brown remarked on the unit's current state, indicating they are far from meeting the team's requirements. He pointed out weaknesses, particularly in the run game and pad level.
Last season, the offensive line was instrumental in North Texas achieving the highest number of rushing touchdowns in the nation, totaling 49, and being recognized as the top-scoring offense. Key contributors included offensive guard Gabe Blair, a First Team All-American Conference selection and the third-highest ranked guard by Pro Football Focus.
With the team losing all five starters from the previous year, rebuilding the offensive line has become a pressing challenge. Brown mentioned that only two players, senior Johnny Williams IV and fifth-year Chandler Strong, have emerged as promising options during fall camp, with Strong standing out as a key performer.
Brown highlighted the need to find an effective lineup, noting, "They don’t let you play college football with just a couple of offensive linemen, so we have significant work to do in that area." All positions on the offensive line are open for competition, as the coaching staff aims to create a strong and dominant group before their first game on September 5.
The pressure is on Brown, offensive line coach Matt Mattox, and run game coordinator Mike Bloesch to enhance the offensive line's performance in the lead-up to the season. Brown cautioned that if the line continues to perform as they have, the team will face difficulties.
