College Football’s House of Pancakes: Cincinnati puts its offensive line in the spotlight

Cincinnati's offensive linemen are receiving unprecedented attention as the university tries to elevate their status beyond the usual anonymity they typically experience. Three first-year NFL draft prospects—left guard Evan Tengesdahl, left tackle Joe Cotton, and center Taran Tyo—have been chosen to lead the line, which was among the best in the nation last season.

The trio is being promoted through billboards, television and radio ads, and a promotional campaign called "Pancake with Us" during Big 12 media days in July. The campaign featured the linemen in chef's outfits preparing pancakes, and pancake-making sets and syrup bottles with their likenesses were distributed. A pancake breakfast before a morning practice drew more than 1,000 fans to the university's athletic department.

Cincinnati's offensive line was commended for allowing the fewest sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (43) among Power Four teams last year. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby's transfer to Texas Tech last year, which resulted in him being declared permanently ineligible by the NCAA for placing thousands of impermissible sports bets, has shifted the focus to the offensive line.

Tengesdahl, an AP Preseason All-America selection, expressed his enthusiasm for the spotlight on the offensive line, stating that it's rare for this position to receive such attention. He enjoys the pressure to perform well, which makes the experience more enjoyable. Cotton, who was the top-ranked offensive lineman in the transfer portal last year, also acknowledged the high expectations but emphasized the importance of focusing on daily practice and improvement.