Cincinnati, Ohio – The foundation of every successful offense is built in the trenches. Few units embodied that more than Cincinnati’s offensive line last season. The Cincinnati offensive line emerged as one of the nation’s most productive groups, creating running lanes, protecting the quarterback, and helping fuel an offense that ranked among the country’s best in several key categories. As the 2026 season approaches, Cincinnati will once again lean on its offensive line to set the tone. Expectations are extremely high and the Great Wall of Cincinnati has expectations to be among the top of the conference.
The Clear Starters
The Bearcats enter the 2026 season with three offensive linemen whose roles appear firmly cemented. After helping anchor one of the nation’s best offensive lines a season ago, Joe Cotton, Evan Tengesdahl, and Taran Tyo return as the core.
The Bearcats offensive line was dominant in 2025, allowing just eight sacks all season, the second fewest in the country. The Cincinnati OL gave up 43 TFL’s, the fewest among the P4 and one of the three best marks nationally. That protection helped fuel an offense that averaged 5.7 yards per carry, ranked third nationally in rushing efficiency, and produced 6.9 yards per play, good for tenth in the country. The Cincinnati offensive line performance helped the Bearcats finish among the nation’s top 50 offenses in scoring and total yardage. They also earned semifinalist honors for the Joe Moore Award, presented annually to the nation’s top offensive line.
Several of these guys appear on our top 10 Bearcats with Pro Potential list!
Evan Tengesdahl
No player better represents the heart and soul of the Great Wall of Cincinnati than Evan Tengesdahl. The redshirt junior enters 2026 as the highest-graded returning guard in college football according to PFF after posting an 85.4 grade. He has already earned Preseason All-Big 12 recognition and was rated as the top guard in EA Sports College Football 27 with a 93 overall rating. Last season, Tengesdahl started all 13 games at left guard and earned Associated Press All-American honors. He finished as PFF’s sixth-highest graded guard nationally and the top guard in the Big 12.
Images courtesy of the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department & GraphicArtOf
What Separates Evan on the Cincinnati OL:
What separates Tengesdahl is his pass protection. His pass sets are consistently clean, showing excellent burst off the snap while maintaining a wide base and active hands. Despite weighing over 320 pounds, he shows impressive range and flexibility. Allowing him to climb to the second level and redirect with ease. His patience against pass rushers stands out on film, rarely panicking and consistently putting himself in position to make the correct adjustment. Combined with his ability to create movement in the run game and seal rushing lanes, it’s easy to envision Tengesdahl hearing his name called somewhere between the late first and second rounds of a future NFL Draft.
Taran Tyo
Next to Tengesdahl will be Taran Tyo, one of the most physically talented linemen on the Cincinnati offensive line roster. Tyo started all 13 games at right guard in 2025 and ranked seventh among Big 12 guards according to PFF. He was also named to PFF’s National Team of the Week following Cincinnati’s dominant win at Oklahoma State after posting a 78.3 grade. Known throughout the program as a weight-room standout, Tyo brings EARNED strength and toughness to the offensive line. His transition from guard to center this offseason will be one of the most important developments to watch, but his experience, game IQ, and physicality makes him a natural candidate to take over the role. I personally believe this is a great move for Taran.
Images courtesy of the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department
Taran Tyo is a beast. Squatting 655×4 like it’s butter.
Joe Cotton
At tackle, Joe Cotton provides another proven piece. After arriving following spring ball last season, Cotton immediately stepped into the lineup and started all 13 games. His impact was significant, helping the Cincinnati offensive line finish second nationally in sacks allowed while earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. Entering 2026, Cotton has already received Preseason All-Big 12 recognition from both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. His experience on the edge will be invaluable for a Bearcats team looking to maintain its status as one of the most reliable offensive lines in college football.
Images courtesy of the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department
With Tengesdahl, Tyo, and Cotton leading the way, the Cincinnati offensive line enters the 2026 season with a strong foundation already in place. The trio combines elite production, extensive starting experience, and plenty of accolades. Giving the Bearcats three building blocks around which the rest of the offensive line can take shape.
Incoming Freshman (Including Redshirt)
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