Trey Pipkins, the seven-year veteran offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Chargers, is staring down a massive question for the 2026 season: can he fight his way back into that starting lineup? This isn’t just about another veteran roster spot, folks. It’s about a 6’6″, 307-pound anchor who’s seen it all and been through the wringer. His career has been a rollercoaster, and now in his seventh year, the battle for playing time is as real as ever for Pipkins.
From Sioux Falls Star to Combine Standout
This dude’s story? It’s pure grit, a testament to relentless effort. Hailing from Apple Valley, Minnesota, Pipkins was already a force in high school. As a junior, he helped lead his team to an 8-3 record and their first state playoff appearance in over 19 years. Then, as a senior, he blocked for a quarterback who absolutely shredded school records in single-season passing yards and touchdowns. He was clearly a difference-maker from the jump!
He committed to the University of Sioux Falls, redshirting in 2014 before making his mark. In 2015, he played in 10 games, mostly special teams and sparingly on the line, but get this: he managed to allow zero sacks in those limited snaps. That’s an early sign of an unyielding lineman! Pipkins broke into the starting lineup in 2016, getting the nod for all 10 games and earning his first Second-Team All-NSIC honor. He repeated that postseason accolade after starting 12 games the following year. But 2018? That was his monster year. He earned not only a First-Team All-NSIC selection, but also got voted to the prestigious AP’s Division II All-American First Team. NFL scouts were watching, because he landed an East-West Shrine Game invite and then, in March 2019, became the first Sioux Falls player *ever* invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. At 309 pounds, he blazed a 5.12 forty-yard dash and leaped an insane 33.5 inches in the vertical, a top mark for all offensive linemen at that event. You simply cannot teach that kind of athletic power.
The Pro Grind: A Career of Battles
When the Chargers picked him 91st overall, they didn’t plan on him playing much as a rookie. But guess what? A string of injuries hit the squad, and Pipkins got thrown into the fire, starting three games, including the final two of that season. Talk about an unexpected baptism by fire! His sophomore year, 2020, he lost the training camp battle to Sam Tevi for the starting left tackle spot. However, with nagging injuries to right tackle Bryan Bulaga, Pipkins stepped up again, starting five games, mainly at right tackle. He was proving to be an indispensable utility man.
This pattern continued in the 2021 season. Pipkins lost the starting right tackle job to Storm Norton in training camp. Yet, due to subsequent injuries to Norton, Pipkins still saw the field for a pair of starts. This guy has been the ultimate fill-in, the reliable backup, the dude you can count on when chaos strikes. Then, finally, in 2022, Pipkins *broke through*. He actually won the starting job outright, holding it down for a whopping 14 regular season games. That’s the kind of determination you love to see from a veteran!
What’s Next for Pipkins and the Chargers O-Line
So here we are in 2026. After seven years, Trey Pipkins is still fighting for his spot. He’s proven he has the experience, he clearly possesses the raw athletic talent, and he’s absolutely got the grind. The big question for Chargers fans this season is whether this veteran, who has battled so consistently, can seize a starting role again for the entire year. Keep your eyes peeled as the season kicks off; this guy’s journey is far from over, and you just know he’s going to lay it all out on the field for whatever opportunities come his way. This is a story about a player who never quit, and we are all here for it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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