The Arizona Republic turns its attention to position groups, as we continue to break down the upcoming 2026 Arizona high school football season, which kicks off Aug. 20 for small schools (1A-3A) and Aug. 27 for big schools (4A-6A). We start with the guys up front.
Top 10 offensive line groups
- Chandler Basha
The Bears are ranked nationally, as high as No. 8 by USA Today, not just because they are loaded with skill-position players, but because they are stacked up front. They're led on the offensive line by tackles Jake Hildebrand (6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Arizona State commit) and Dajohn Yarborough (6-foot-5, 330, Cal). Both made the Fiesta Bowl's preseason All-State team. Complementing them on the line are the likes of Kade Karriker, Jack Bennett, and Elias Phillips. This potent offense goes
nowhere without these guys.
2. Phoenix Brophy Prep
A question mark a year ago, the offensive line is now the Broncos' strength entering the 2026 season. It is young but talented, with sophomores Yuen Taufete'e (6-foot-4, 306) and Colin Itule (6-foot-5, 270) leading the way. They both started on varsity last year as freshmen and saw their recruiting blow up in the spring with major colleges offering scholarships. Senior Shane Reiersgaard (6-foot-3, 265) is a great anchor, and Ethan Putz and Miles Thornton are both capable blockers. This is the best depth coach Jason Jewell has had up front with six more linemen he would feel comfortable starting.
3. Peoria Centennial
The Coyotes could find themselves in the Open Division hunt for a title with an offensive line that compares to any other. It is led by the Big Two of Benjamin Lowther (6-foot-8, 330, Stanford) and Karmello Calloway (6-foot-6, 295, Arizona). Left guard Robert Bailey is set for a huge season. He's moved over to offense after starting on the defensive line last year.
4. Chandler Hamilton
With Richie Dexter (6-foot-7, 320) anchoring the line, the Huskies feel good about having another explosive offense this year. Tevita Anitoni is a three-year varsity starter. Adelrick "Ziggy" Benziger is a sophomore with Division I potential. Junior Deon Ellis and Colton Winters round out the line. Winters is a transfer from 6A champion Casteel.
5. Goodyear Millennium
The Tigers feature one of the most explosive backs in the state in D'Mari Bryant, who knows his big runs don't happen without the guys up front. This could be coach Lamar Early's deepest line in a long time. And they're huge. They're led by seniors Lauifi Tosi (6-foot-4, 320) and Kevin Munane (6-foot-4, 310).
6. Chandler
The Wolves are led by one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the nation in Will Mencl. He has great protection with Sire Stewart (6-foot-5, 255) anchoring the line. He's complemented by Brayden Mendoza, Tanner Shorter, Peter Diaz, Justin Keohane and Mattox Garvey.
7. Peoria Liberty
The Lions, who lost a thriller to state champion Basha in the Open Division semifinals last year, return three starters on the line: Quaid Guiney (6-foot-5, 260), Tytan Lanier (6-foot-1, 290) and sophomore T.J. Gardner (6-foot-3, 260).
8. Mesa Westwood
Running back Keshawn Barkus led 6A in rushing last year. He has to feel good about doing it again behind a strong offensive line, led by Samson Tengei (6-foot-3, 295), Pablo Cervantes (6-foot-3, 270), Adam Esparza (5-11, 285) and Xanyae James (6-foot-1, 265).
9. Phoenix St. Mary's
The Knights return three starters up front, protecting one of the top passers in 4A in Luke Horn. They should also be able to run the ball well again with 1,200-yard rusher Branson Brown returning. Count on these guys to lead the linemen: Nick Felix (6-foot-1, 280); Enrique Garcia (6-foot, 260); Christian St. Germain (6-foot-5, 295); Lawson Agnew (6-foot-5, 275); sophomore Isaiah Lucero (5-foot-10, 240); and sophomore Emilio Pacheco (5-foot-10, 270).
10. ALA Ironwood
Coach Myron Blueford feels he's got a line that can hold its own at any level. It has size and athleticism and is led by Bryce Villeroel (6-foot-1, 300), a left guard. Senior Brandon Rathi is a left tackle, senior Connor Wright (5-10, 230) is the center, senior Slade Wheaton (6-foot-2, 270) is the right guard and junior Gabe Suarez (6-foot-3, 250) plays right tackle.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Arizona Republic's top 10 high school football offensive lines
