KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island's offensive line will feature a mix of familiar faces and emerging contributors in 2026 as the Rams look to replace three starters from last season's group.
Through training camp, four of the Rams' five first-string offensive linemen have previous collegiate experience. Each of the four has taken a unique path to the starting group.
Fourth-year Ram Dontay Bishop (New Britain, Conn.) has emerged as the Rams' starting left tackle. Bishop has played in 25 games for Rhode Island over the last two seasons, with most of his reps coming on the defensive front. Last year, he recorded 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss along the Rhode Island defensive line.
Despite spending most of his time on defense, the Rams' offensive staff worked Bishop into the mix a season ago. In Rhode Island's Nov. 15 win at Maine, Bishop caught a 2-yard touchdown pass for his first career score. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Bishop looks the part at left tackle as he transitions into a full-time role on the offensive line.
Mirroring Bishop on the opposite side of the offensive line at right tackle is Joshua Schuetzmann (Montreal, Quebec, Canada). Schuetzmann is a 6-foot-7 transfer from Old Dominion. After appearing in two games as a reserve lineman for the Monarchs in 2025, Schuetzmann has run with the first unit for most of training camp.
The interior of Rhode Island's offensive line features the most returning experience from the 2025 group. Right guard Damon McMillian, Jr. (Tampa, Fla.) returns to the spot where he started all 14 games for the Rams a season ago. McMillian, Jr. gained national attention for his efforts, earning Freshman All-America honors from The Associated Press, Phil Steele and Stats Perform at the end of the season.
To the left of McMillian at center is fifth-year Ram Tre Alexander (Tampa, Fla.). Alexander has been another example of consistency along the Rhode Island offensive line. After starting all but one game in 2024, Alexander started all 14 games in 2025. He is second on the team with 16 consecutive starts. Together, Alexander and McMillian bring significant continuity to the interior of Rhode Island's offensive line.
Emerging as Rhode Island's starting left guard is second-year lineman Dayen Marouf-Araibi (Plantation, Fla.). Marouf-Araibi appeared in two games for Rhode Island a season ago, spending most of the year in a reserve role behind an experienced group of guards. With the departures of Christian Smith, Thomas Buxton and Demetri Robinson, Marouf-Araibi has moved up the depth chart following a strong training camp.
After losing starters Smith, Buxton and Brock Bethea from a season ago, Rhode Island needed to build depth along the offensive line heading into 2026. The Rams addressed that need by adding several true freshmen and bringing in additional experience through the transfer portal.
Outside of the projected starting unit, true freshmen Will Matasavage (Boynton Beach, Fla.) and Teddy Welch (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) have competed for reps throughout training camp. Matasavage at right tackle and Welch at center have both seen time with the second unit.
Shippensburg transfer Bobby Chetirkin (Wayne, N.J.), Appalachian State transfer Felix Doege, and second-year Ram Jeremy Redd (Providence, R.I.) have also run with the second team during camp. Injuries have limited the opportunities for Boston College transfer Jadon Lafontant (Stratford, Conn.) and Connecticut transfer Jayden Bass to work their way into the rotation.
With Alexander and McMillian providing experience on the interior, Rhode Island has a veteran foundation to build around up front. The emergence of Bishop, Schuetzmann, and Marouf-Araibi throughout training camp has helped fill the openings left from last season. As the season opener approaches, Rhode Island's offensive line is beginning to take shape.
Inside the Position Room is a training camp series highlighting each Rhode Island Football position group leading up to the 2026 season. Follow along at GoRhody.com as the Rams continue preparations for the upcoming season.
