Stanford University’s football program is focusing on rebuilding its offensive line as preparations for the 2025 season begin. The team’s coaching staff and players have expressed optimism that this year’s group can regain the strong reputation Stanford has historically held in this area.
Offensive line coach Al Netter, entering his third season, emphasized the progress made during the offseason. “It all starts with the work they put in this offseason,” Netter said. “These guys are taking ownership of the room. You can see that this group is the tightest it’s been since I’ve been here. The cohesion, the attitude, the mindset…it just feels different.”
A key addition to the roster is Niki Prongos, a redshirt junior who transferred from UCLA after making eight starts last season at both right tackle and right guard. Coach Netter described Prongos as “an absolute genetic freak,” noting his size and physical development since arriving at Stanford. “He’s only accelerated from where he was at UCLA, and we’re very excited about Niki and what he brings us.”
Prongos will compete for the left tackle position while Kahlil House, who started ten games as a freshman last year at left tackle, will move to right tackle. House was recognized by On3 as part of their Midseason True Freshman All-America team in 2024.
Netter commented on House’s growth: “Khalil’s got tremendous athleticism and length. Since last year, he’s gained about 28.5 pounds of muscle,” Netter said. “He’s always had athleticism, but now he’s added some strength and power behind it, and that is helping him a ton.”
Experience across the offensive line has increased due to several transfers joining Stanford, including Nick Fattig from Texas Tech and Nathan Mejia from Sacramento State. Coach Netter highlighted how these additions create competition for every position: “Every day is an interview for the job. Every day is stamping it on your resume.”
Veteran lineman Pale discussed how trust among teammates has grown quickly despite new faces on the roster: “We’ve built enough trust within each other that we want the best for each other,” Pale said. “We’ve been able to push each other and not be afraid to get in each other’s grill a little bit and demand the greatness that we want out of each other and this program.”
The tradition of producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen remains important at Stanford; between 2012-2016, six players were drafted into professional football.
Competition remains central to preparation for this season. Prongos stated: “No spot is ever safe, and you’re always competing with your teammates. Competition breeds excellence, and we have that right now. It’s fun to see.”
Redshirt freshman Ziron Brown is among those vying for playing time at center after spending last year developing within the program: “It’s opened my eyes to what it takes to be a successful offensive lineman,” Brown said.
Interim head coach Frank Reich noted two standout qualities so far in camp: physicality and depth within the group. He explained, “There is a physicality that they bring to the table. Not just being big, strong, young men, but this physically dominant mentality…That’s a huge deal.” Reich also observed increased depth along the line compared to previous seasons.
While coaches acknowledge there may not be an immediate return to past successes for Stanford’s offensive line unit, confidence remains high regarding future improvement.
Pale summed up current sentiment among players: “We’re just a bunch of dogs. We’re nastier. We’re more physical. That excites me.”
