GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's offensive line is under new direction this year as Kyle Jolly takes over after serving as a position assistant a year ago.  Eighteen players, the program's largest position contingent, make up the group, which features seven letterman and four players who count collegiate starting experience.
 
"There appears to be really good culture in that room with Kyle and (assistant) Mitchell Mayes.  It's a talented bunch with some experience — a solid core," said head coach Clay Hendrix, a former standout Paladin guard and longtime offensive line coach at Furman and Air Force.
 
Headlining the front will be center Chris Luna (6-3, 290, R-Jr.), who is entering his third year as a starter.  Recently named to the preseason All-SoCon squad, he owns 19 starts and 1,341 play participations in his Furman career.
 
"Chris is the leader of the group.  He was solid a year ago, had a good spring, and is off to a good start in the preseason."
 
A number of players are in the mix at tackle, and topping the list is Eli Brasher (6-4, 294, Gr.), who counts 18 starts and 1,260 plays in his career.  A year ago he logged starts in the first eight games before seeing his season halted due to injury, which also sidelined him for spring practice.
 
"Eli is healthy now and back on the field.  He's played a good bit and is solid.  We are looking to for a big year from him."
 
Parker Peterson (6-7, 306, Gr.), a graduate transfer from Memphis with two years of eligibility, has impressed since joining the Paladins for spring practice.
 
"Parker's a big guy who has really stepped in and performed, which is not easy with a new team and new system.  He's bright and a hard worker.  We think he will play a good bit for us."
 
Chase Gregorek (6-4, 303, R-So.) also projects to be a factor at tackle thanks to a promising 2025 season that saw him earn playing time in 10 games and register three starts on the way to 252 play participations.
 
"Chase is a local product (T.L. Hanna High School) who has gotten bigger and stronger and can play both sides.  We believe he can give us significant reps this year."
 
Others to watch at tackle include Hayden Garner (6-5, 303, R-Jr.), Noah Akinsola (6-5, 305, R-So.) and Stephen O'Dell (6-7, 293, R-So.).
 
"Hayden is a fourth-year guy who can play both sides, and Noah has played a little bit of everything except center.  They will compete for action, as will Stephen, who has also worked at both guard and tackle.  I thought he (Stephen) had a productive spring."
 
A trio of players appear ready to fill out the depth chart at guard.  They include graduate transfer Alofaletauia Maluia (6-2, 295, Gr.), Bryce Rainwater (6-4, 292, R-Fr.), and Brady Smith (6-1, 289, R-Fr.).
 
Maluia spent the last two years at West Georgia, where he appeared in 17 games and made eight starts, helping the Wolves to an 8-3 campaign and FCS No. 24 ranking in 2025.
 
Rainwater and Smith both saw action in four games a year ago and demonstrated solid potential in their inaugural Paladin seasons.
 
"Alofaletauia has adapted well and plays both guard and center.  He will play a bunch for us.
 
"Brady will also be competing at center and at guard.  He played for Ingle Martin (Furman Hall of Famer) at Christ Presbyterian (Tenn.) Academy, and Bryce is a local guy from Hillcrest High School. He's primarily a guard.
 
"I wish the five-year rule had been in place last year because both of those guys would have played a lot more.  They could have really helped us."
 
Jackson Gagnon (6-3, 266, R-So.) will add to the competition at center, Chase Polivchak (6-4, 268, R-Fr.) at guard, and pair of second-year guys, Edwin Gaulding (6-7, 302, R-Fr.) and Harris Jenne (6-4, 266, R-Fr.), will compete at tackle.
 
"We're excited about the guys we signed," said Hendrix about three prep products who joined the Paladins in December. "Tim Hyrbu (6-4, 300, Fr.) is a big, strong guy, and Cooper Sanders (6-4, 290, Fr.) from Wren High School and Jaxon Corey (6-3, 275, Fr.)…there's no reason not to give them the opportunity to show what they can do."

Furman kicks off its 2026 season on Thursday, August 27, when it entertains Anderson in a 7:00 p.m. contest at Paladin Stadium. 

Click HERE for Furman's 2026 schedule.

Paladin fans can renew or purchase new season tickets online by clicking HERE, or by contacting the Furman Box Office at 864-294-3099.

Furman's football program will take a trip down memory lane on Saturday, Aug. 8, with a practice at Sirrine Stadium in downtown Greenville from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m..  Gates are scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. Admission is free.