Head Coach Neal Brown has expressed serious worries about the North Texas Mean Green offensive line as the team gears up for the 2026 season. After a recent practice, he remarked on the unit's struggles, pointing out issues like a lack of physicality in the run game and inadequate pad level.
Last season, the offensive line was instrumental in North Texas' success, helping the team achieve the highest number of rushing touchdowns in the nation with 49 and earning recognition as the top-scoring offense. Among the standout players from that season was offensive guard Gabe Blair, who received First Team All-American Conference honors and was identified as the third-best guard by Pro Football Focus.
With all five starters from the previous year having departed, the team is now tasked with rebuilding the offensive line. Brown mentioned that only two players, senior Johnny Williams IV and fifth-year Chandler Strong, have demonstrated potential during fall camp, with Strong emerging as a key performer.
Brown stressed the need to identify the right mix of players, noting that the team cannot compete with just two offensive linemen. He emphasized that all positions on the line are up for grabs, regardless of scholarship status, as the coaching staff aims to create a physically dominant unit before their first game on September 5.
Brown cautioned that if the offensive line's performance does not improve, the team will face significant challenges this season.
