An offense without quality offensive linemen is like a home without a sturdy foundation. One could argue a conference needs a good foundation for long-term stability, but we have seen what long-term contractual security has done to the ACC. It creates a world where Stanford, Cal, and SMU are joining the conference. But enough realignment talk, let’s get back to the big boys up front who make an offense go. Last World already highlighted the Big 12’s best offensive linemen, so now we take a look at the best ACC offensive linemen that will pave the way for their teams in 2024.
Best ACC Offensive Linemen Returning For 2024
5. Logan Parr – SMU
Is it more of an insult to the legacy ACC members or that high of a complement to what SMU has built that the first ACC offensive lineman listed is Logan Parr? To soften the blow to the ego’s of ACC fans, Parr started his career at Texas where he spent three seasons. However, he flourished for the Mustangs, starting in 13 games at guard and netting a first-team All-AAC selection. The Helotes, Texas native is going to anchor an offensive line looking to make noise in its first year as a Power four conference member.
4. Jalen Rivers – Miami
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal is recruiting at a level consistent with a team looking to make a leap onto the scene nationally. Undoubtedly, the former offensive lineman takes great pleasure that he has someone like Jalen Rivers as a foundational piece for his offense. Rivers has started 20 games over the past two seasons. His play last year landed him on the All-ACC second-team squad. His tremendous play helped the Canes finish second in the ACC and 19th nationally in fewest sacks allowed. Can Rivers pave a path back to the glory days of the U?
3. Justin Osborne – SMU
It’s official; it is not an insult to the ACC. It is a generous tip of the cap to head coach Rhett Lashlee. He has two of the five best ACC offensive linemen on this list. Justin Osborne was one of the Mustang team captains in 2023. He has a total of 42 career starts (44 total appearances) and those include time at guard and tackle. Osborne had the best season of his career in 2023 and was rewarded with a first-team All-AAC selection. Heading into 2024, Osborne is slated to move to center. With his depth of experience, Osborne could give another lineman on this countdown a run for the title of the ACC’s most versatile lineman.
2. Blake Miller – Clemson
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has a long-standing reputation for producing NFL-caliber defensive lines with 2024 likely to be the same. However, for as great as the Tigers have been on that side of the trenches, the offensive side has lacked top-tier talent. However, Blake Miller appears to be a player poised for a breakout season in the trenches for Clemson. Miller has started all 27 games for the Tigers since arriving in Death Valley. That also includes an incredible 1,949 career snaps. How rare is that type of longevity? Millers is one of six players in Clemson history with multiple 950-snap seasons. If quarterback Cade Klubnik expects to remain healthy, it’s going to require Miller to continue to play at a high level protecting Klubnik’s blind side.
The Best ACC Offensive Linemen Retuning Is Darius Washington – Florida State
Florida State finds itself in quite a legal showdown with the ACC. But that battle is not something head coach Mike Norvell can worry about. He must get his team refocused after a playoff snub in 2023. Luckily for the Seminoles, they have one of the best all-around players in the conference returning for them. Darius Washington has 37 career starts for Florida State. As mentioned earlier, he is the leader in the clubhouse heading into the 2024 season as the most versatile lineman in the ACC. He has already spent time anywhere a lineman could play (guard, center, and tackle). Washington is coming off a year that had him selected as a first-team All-ACC player. Florida State saw a lot of NFL talent depart from last year’s team. However, Washington is just the next in line to anchor the Seminole offense.
