To win in the SEC, it starts in the trenches. You could have the best quarterback and running back in the league, but if you have a lackluster offensive line, a middling season is right around the corner. Thanikfully for Missouri, the offensive line seems to be a group that can be a strength for the team this season.

Missouri will feature 3 returning offensive lineman this year, all with plenty of experience. The continuity on the line could pay dividends this season, especially with a nine game SEC schedule. Let’s take a look at the projected 5 on the line this season.

Left tackle, Cayden Green:

• SR
• 6’5
• 325 lbs
• Projected 1st round pick

Cayden Green started out his career at Oklahoma and as a true freshman, quickly became an anchor for the Sooners offensive line. After a terrific start to his career, Green opted to return to his home state, transferring to the Tigers heading into the 2024 season. Green would play at guard that year as expected and had yet again, another fantastic year.

Last season would shake things up for Green, as he was shifted over to left tackle in attempt to fortify the position that was seen as weak by the staff. Despite Green’s natural position being left guard, the transition was seamless. Green missed two games due to an injury, but in the 11 games that Green started, he proved why he’s so highly touted by NFL scouts at the position.

After numerous games with no pressures allowed, with the likes of Kansas and Louisiana, Green won the honor of first team all-SEC, after learning the position in roughly two weeks before the season. This year, Green will look to continue to climb up draft boards and will also get the weight lifted as the blindside tackle, due to Simmons being a left-handed QB. Green is far and away the most talented player on the line and is expected to have a great year, given he was tabbed as an AP preseason all-American

Left guard, Tristan Wilson:

• RS SR
• 6’4
• 302 lbs

The left guard spot is one of the two positions on the o-line that has had some competition for it. Heading into fall camp, Zach Owens, a Mississippi State transfer was slotted to be the starter for the role. Owens has valuable SEC experience, starting 10 games last year for the Bulldogs and making appearances at both guard spots. However, fall camp proved otherwise

All throughout fall camp, it was backup center, Tristan Wilson, who was running out with the ones. Wilson has spent numerous years with the program, mainly serving as a backup and has played in quite a few roles. Wilson played in all 13 games last year and now, it finally looks like the opportunity has been granted for him to start.

Center, Dominick Giudice:

• 6’3
• RS SR
• 305 lbs
• former left guard

Giudice was a no brainer for the center position, as he is the second most talented offensive lineman on the roster arguably, as well as one of the most proven. Giudice came in from Michigan last season and was immediately thrown into the left guard spot, where he thrived last year alongside Cayden Green.

Giudice started all 13 games and only allowed one QB hit all season, along with ten quarterback hurries. Giudice was rock solid in many big games last year, most notably in the border war, where his performance earned him the outland national offensive lineman of the week award. In games against Alabama, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Virginia, Giudice did not allow a single sack. The redshirt senior will be pivotal in the run game this year and have his work cut out for him at a new position. If anybody can do it, I believe that Giudice can.

Right guard, Curtis Peagler:

• 6’4
• 335 lbs
• RS Sr

For 3 straight seasons, from 2022-2024, Peagler only featured in 3 games in that span. Peagler was seemingly lost in the depth chart, but after an impressive fall camp last season, the then RS Jr got his opportunity to start at right guard. Peagler never looked back. Peagler started all 13 games last season, boasting a 98.6% efficiency rate in pass blocking, one of the highest on the team. Peagler may not be an all-SEC caliber talent, but he is formidable and will be reliable throughout the season.

Right tackle, Luke Work

• Jr
• Transfer from Mississippi State
• 6’6
• 310 lbs

This is likely the biggest question on the offensive line for the Tigers. Initially, Arizona State transfer Josh Atkins was slated to fill this role, but an injury in camp will likely sideline him for most, if not all of the 26′ campaign. The job then came down to Logan Reichert and Luke Work and every indication screams that Work will at least be the starter going into week one.

With Austin Simmons being a rare lefty, Work is tasked with being the blindside blocker. Work lacks real starting experience, with his one start being last season against A&M at the right tackle spot. Work will have his hands full, but fortunately, he’s a part of an offensive line with plenty of experience that will surely offer him the help he needs.

In conclusion, this could be another really solid year for the Tigers offensive line. With plenty of experience and talent throughout the line, this could very well be a strength of the team.