Northwestern’s new-look offensive line

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 15: Ezomo Oratokhai #62 of the Northwestern Wildcats lines up at the line of scrimmage prior to the play during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images) | Getty Images Northwestern’s offensive line is looking to continue last season’s success, but will do so with some new guys up front. New offensive line coach Tim Drevno brings 33 years of coaching experience, mainly in college but also a three-year NFL stint, in which he has led six offensive linemen to being selected in the first round of the NFL draft, five of those coming in the last six years.

Ryan Olson also returns, albeit in a more supplementary role. Rounding out the offensive line coaching staff is Paul Grattan, who served as Duquesne’s running backs coach the past two seasons. Altogether, this group brings experience to a group of players that hasn’t played together at all.

“It’s about development because you have 18 guys in the room, and then you got three quality line coaches that are coaching them,” Drevno said. “I think if anybody in America wants to come to a place to get developed, this is a top notch place to do that because you got three quality line coaches to do it. ” The Wildcats will need to lean heavily on more developed players, mainly Ezomo Oratokhai.

The now-redshirt sophomore had a tremendous 2025 campaign, in which he started all 13 games and was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. What makes the 2026 season so vital for Oratokhai is his move from guard to center. “This is my first time snapping,” Oratokhai said.