ELON — The Phoenix will have new faces in key spots along the offensive line in 2026, but the unit enters the season with enough returning experience to provide stability up front.

Graduate student Tim Hogan and redshirt junior Michael Muldrow Jr. headline the returning group as Elon looks to replace multiple contributors from last season.

Hogan brings the most experience to the unit. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Raleigh, North Carolina, native returns for another season after starting 19 games over the last two seasons. His experience at right guard gives Elon a veteran presence as the unit works to build chemistry around a reshaped starting five.

"There's a lot of talented guys in the room. Some guys are young but everyone in the first offensive line (group) has seen in-game, real speed reps," Hogan said. "It's really nice this season because we have some good depth behind us who can go in and play ball when called upon."

Muldrow also returns after a strong 2025 season at left tackle. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound blindside blocker gives Elon another experienced option on the interior. With several younger players competing for larger roles, Hogan and Muldrow will be counted on to provide consistency for a group tasked with protecting a new starting quarterback and creating running lanes for a deep backfield.

"We've got four guys who have played a lot of football, and only one is in their last year of eligibility," offensive line coach Matt Ford said. "Everybody on our starting offensive line has played a lot of football and the expectations will be really high."

One of the biggest additions comes from a familiar CAA opponent.

Gabe Navarro transferred to Elon from North Carolina A&T and is expected to step immediately into the starting lineup. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound redshirt junior started 10 games at left tackle for the Aggies in 2025. Before his time in Greensboro, Navarro spent two seasons at Virginia State alongside running back Jimmyll Williams, appearing in 10 games in 2024. His combination of starting experience and familiarity with CAA competition gives the Phoenix a proven option up front.

"He came in as a tackle, which he played at the other school, and we had two great tackles here," Ford said. "We asked him to move to center, and he's fully bought into it. He's working really hard and it's showing."

Sophomore Sean Tanner could provide another important piece on the opposite side.

At 6-foot-8 and 322 pounds, Tanner brings imposing size to the right tackle position and is expected to see an increased role after his freshman season. A former first-team all-county offensive tackle at Red Lion Area High School in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, Tanner holds the school record for pancake blocks. His development will be important as Elon looks to establish continuity at tackle alongside Navarro.

"With Sean, we immediately realized that we got a great player in him," Ford said. "He is in a place right now where if you don't know his name, you will know pretty quickly. He has the skill set to be as good as anybody else on the offensive line."

The Phoenix also have several younger linemen competing for spots in the rotation, creating opportunities for the unit to build depth throughout preseason camp.

For Elon, the pieces are different from a year ago, but the foundation remains. With Hogan and Muldrow providing returning experience, Navarro bringing a proven track record and Tanner preparing for a larger role, the Phoenix have a core they can build around in 2026.

Offensive Line Personnel
Deshawn Leonard | Gr. | Clinton, Miss.
Demari Lassiter | R-Fr. | Ahoskie, N.C.
Gabe Navarro | R-Jr. | Virginia Beach, Va.
Michael Muldrow Jr. | R-Jr. | Tyrone, Ga.
Will Tellers | Fr. | Tolland, Conn.
Tim Hogan | Gr. | Raleigh, N.C.
Rocco Famularo | Fr. | New York, N.Y.
Eli Wells | Fr. | Yadkinville, N.C.
Sean Tanner | So. | Red Lion, Pa.
Andrew Hancock | R-So. | Youngsville, N.C.
Frank Geosits | R-Jr. | Weddington, N.C.
James Shaffer | R-So. | Naples, Fla.
Evan Safreed | R-Jr. | Woodbridge, Va.
Nolan Irwin | R-Fr. | Concord, N.C.
Bubba Shoe | Fr. | Concord, N.C.
Matthew Atkinson | Fr. | Charleston, S.C.
Ethan Gonzalez-Bonilla | Jr. | Stephens City, Va.
 
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