2026 Position Preview: Building Chemistry in the Trenches
8/24/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Coastal Carolina's offensive line enters the 2026 season with a new look and plenty of size up front. The 16-man position group averages 320 pounds, with a mix of returning Chanticleers and veteran transfers competing throughout preseason camp.
Seven offensive linemen return from last season's roster, including veterans Tray Franklin and Daniel Jones. Franklin played in nine games for the Chanticleers in 2025 after earning Second Team All-MEAC honors at South Carolina State the previous season. Jones saw action in all 13 games last year after playing in three contests as a true freshman in 2024. Kain McDonald and Gavin McLaughlin each played in seven games last season, while Johnathan Ashley, Joshua Daniel and Dominic Rijos provide additional familiarity within the room.
The Chanticleers bolstered the group through the transfer portal with the additions of Cristian Loaiza, Daughtry Richardson, Mason Barton and Apisa Poumele. Loaiza reunites with head coach Ryan Beard and offensive coordinator Nick Petrino after spending four seasons at Missouri State, where he made 16 starts between left guard and left tackle. Richardson arrives from Florida Atlantic after starting at right tackle for the Owls in 2025, while Barton joins the program after playing in 11 games at Jackson State last season and brings more than 900 career snaps.
Poumele brings additional versatility to the interior after playing in all 13 games with nine starts at center for Central Michigan last season. The redshirt senior has also lined up at guard and tackle during his collegiate career and earned First Team All-Conference honors in each of his two seasons at Laney College.
Newberry transfer Beau Gwynn joins freshmen Stephan Mondesir, Nasir Jones, Gabe Jones and Kyler Johnson to round out the 16-man group. Gwynn spent his freshman season at Newberry, while the four true freshmen begin their collegiate careers with the Chanticleers.
The offensive line will look to continue building chemistry as Coastal Carolina prepares to open the 2026 season on Sept. 5 at West Virginia.
