Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor Dominates the Trenches, Emerging as Top Outland Trophy Candidate for Best Interior Lineman in 2025
In the unforgiving world of college football, dominance in the trenches often separates contenders from pretenders. As the 2025 season unfolds, few players have embodied that dominance more completely than Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor. A mountain of a man with rare athleticism, refined technique, and a relentless motor, Proctor has vaulted himself to the top of the Outland Trophy conversation as the nation’s best interior lineman. His blend of raw power and nimble footwork has not only anchored Alabama’s offensive front but has also set the standard for what an elite lineman should be in the modern game.
Proctor’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. The 6-foot-7, 360-pound lineman was a consensus five-star recruit out of Southeast Polk High School in Iowa and the crown jewel of Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class. His high school career was a showcase of physical dominance and technical maturity, a rare combination that made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Despite flirtations with in-state power Iowa and other national programs, Proctor committed to Alabama, drawn by the program’s history of developing NFL-caliber linemen and competing for championships on the national stage.
From the moment he stepped onto campus in Tuscaloosa, Proctor looked the part of an SEC veteran. His physical tools were impossible to ignore—an 80-inch wingspan, a crushing punch, and surprisingly light feet for a player his size. But what truly set him apart was his mindset. Coaches immediately noticed his willingness to learn, to absorb criticism, and to put in the long hours necessary to elevate his game. By the end of his freshman year, he had already cracked the starting lineup, a rare feat in a Nick Saban-coached program notorious for its depth and competitiveness.
Now in his third season, Proctor has become the undisputed leader of Alabama’s offensive line. His presence on the interior—primarily at left guard this season—has helped transform the Crimson Tide offense into one of the most balanced and explosive units in the country. While quarterback play and skill-position talent often grab the headlines, insiders know that Proctor is the engine that drives Alabama’s offensive machine. Whether it’s paving the way for the run game or stonewalling elite SEC pass rushers, Proctor’s consistency and dominance have made him indispensable.
What separates Proctor from other interior linemen is the completeness of his game. He’s a mauler in the run game, capable of displacing defenders with sheer force or sealing the edge with finesse. He understands leverage and hand placement at a level that belies his age, often winning battles before the snap even occurs. His pass protection is equally elite—he rarely allows interior pressure and has not surrendered a sack all season, a remarkable feat in a conference filled with future NFL talent. In short, he’s the kind of lineman who makes everyone around him better.
Proctor’s film tells the story that statistics cannot. Watch any Alabama game this season, and his impact is immediately evident. Defensive linemen who dominate against other teams disappear when lined up across from Proctor. He neutralizes bull rushes with ease, absorbs stunts and twists with veteran savvy, and always seems to be in the right position. He’s not just playing the game—he’s controlling it from the inside out. His ability to diagnose defensive fronts and communicate protections to his fellow linemen has turned Alabama’s offensive line into one of the most cohesive units in the country.
Coaches and scouts alike have taken notice. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has praised Proctor as “the tone-setter,” a player who leads not only by example but by attitude. “Kadyn doesn’t just block people,” DeBoer said in a recent press conference. “He demoralizes them. He’s the kind of lineman who makes defenses rethink their game plan.” Offensive line coach Eric Wolford echoed that sentiment, calling Proctor “the most coachable elite talent I’ve ever worked with.” NFL scouts project him as a first-round pick and a future All-Pro, comparing him to names like Quenton Nelson and Zack Martin.
But Proctor’s rise hasn’t come without adversity. During his sophomore season, he dealt with a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for several games. While some players might have rushed back or seen their performance dip, Proctor used the setback as an opportunity to grow. He immersed himself in film study, worked on his upper-body strength, and came back stronger than ever. That commitment to improvement, even when he wasn’t on the field, speaks volumes about his character and work ethic. It’s the kind of resilience that separates good players from great ones—and great ones from legends.
That drive is also what has placed Proctor firmly in the conversation for the Outland Trophy. First awarded in 1946, the Outland Trophy recognizes the nation’s top interior lineman, a group often overlooked in favor of flashier skill positions. But those who understand the game know that championships are won in the trenches, and Proctor embodies everything the award represents. He’s not just a dominant player; he’s a technician, a student of the game, and a relentless competitor. His play demands recognition, and this year, he’s making it impossible to ignore.
In many ways, Proctor’s emergence reflects a broader resurgence of dominance along Alabama’s offensive line. After a few years of inconsistency and criticism, the Tide have reestablished themselves as trench bullies, thanks in no small part to Proctor’s leadership. His ability to set the tone early in games has allowed Alabama to control tempo, wear down defenses, and execute their offense with ruthless efficiency. In games against top-10 opponents, Proctor has consistently graded out as the highest-performing lineman, often neutralizing elite defensive tackles single-handedly.
His impact also extends beyond the field. Proctor has become a mentor to younger linemen in the program, guiding them through the rigors of SEC football and instilling the habits that lead to success. He’s active in team meetings, vocal in the locker room, and respected by teammates across all position groups. As NIL deals and transfer portal chaos continue to shape the college football landscape, Proctor has remained grounded, focused on development and team goals rather than personal accolades. That humility, combined with his dominance, makes him one of the most complete players in the country.
While the Outland Trophy watch list is stacked with elite talent from across the country, including names from Michigan, Georgia, and Notre Dame, Proctor’s case grows stronger with each passing week. His game holds up not just under the bright lights of SEC play, but also under the scrutiny of scouts and analysts who understand what elite line play looks like. Every measurable, every intangible, and every moment of film points to Proctor being the best in the country. And as Alabama gears up for a potential College Football Playoff run, Proctor’s role will only become more crucial.
There is also a legacy component at play. Alabama has produced multiple Outland Trophy winners over the years, from Chris Samuels to Andre Smith to Barrett Jones and most recently Cam Robinson. Proctor has a chance to etch his name into that elite lineage, solidifying his place in Crimson Tide history while also enhancing his NFL draft stock. Winning the Outland would not just be a personal milestone—it would be a testament to the program’s continued excellence in developing elite linemen and competing at the highest level.
As the regular season winds down and awards season heats up, Proctor remains focused on the task at hand: winning football games. He’s not one to lobby for accolades or seek out media attention, preferring instead to let his play speak for itself. And speak it does. In a sport where linemen are often invisible unless they make mistakes, Kadyn Proctor stands out—not because he seeks the spotlight, but because his performance demands it. The tape doesn’t lie, and neither do the results.
In the end, the Outland Trophy is about more than just talent—it’s about dominance, consistency, leadership, and impact. Kadyn Proctor checks every box. He’s the backbone of Alabama’s offensive resurgence, the enforcer in the trenches, and the standard-bearer for what elite interior line play looks like in 2025. As award voters begin to finalize their ballots, one name should rise to the top without hesitation: Kadyn Proctor.
