Why Kimo Makane’ole’s Return to Offensive Line Could Change the Game Forever

MORGANTOWN — If you checked West Virginia offensive lineman Kimo Makane’ole’s WVU bio on Wednesday morning, it would say he weighed 198 pounds, the size of a running back or a wide receiver. 
LEARN MORE
The last time he weighed around 198 pounds?

Makane’ole is adjusting to the weather, which in the summer has been cooler than Baton Rouge or Florida, and Rodriguez’s tempo. Makane’ole wasn’t too startled playing in the tempo offense, especially playing defensive line before.

“I feel like I fit pretty well,” Makane’ole said. “I’m just really happy to be here.”

Makane’ole played some football in Hawaii, where he grew up, and moved to Florida when he was 14. Then, he committed to LSU on Jan. 1, 2021, after decommitting from Florida State. He spent four seasons in Baton Rouge, so this was Makane’ole’s first time living up north.

“Being an offensive lineman, D-lineman, you get so much experience,” Makane’ole said.

Like every other positional group, Makane’ole and the offensive line are moving within positions. Right now, though, Makane’ole said he feels more comfortable at right guard.

Now, it’s corrected to his real weight of 298.

“It was mostly with coach Rich Rod, I really liked how he was with the players, especially with coach Bicknell, coach Dressler, as well,” Makane’ole said. “They’ve always been totally truthful with everything… Coach Rod, they’re really close to players and want us to get better.”

Moving up north was a bit of a change, but Makane’ole was bought into what Rodriguez wanted to build in his second era at WVU. He said the transfer process wasn’t “rough” at all. 

You ever stumble on something so off it makes you do a double take? Well, that’s exactly what happened when I checked out West Virginia offensive lineman Kimo Makane’ole’s bio this week. The guy was listed at 198 pounds — yeah, you read that right — a weight more befitting a fleet-footed receiver or running back, not the burly lineman Makane’ole actually is. Turns out, someone dropped the ball, because Makane’ole tips the scales at a solid 298 pounds. “I don’t know what that’s about,” he said with a chuckle, recalling the last time he might’ve been 198 — probably back in sixth grade.

Makane’ole is one of the 70-plus transfers Rich Rodriguez added out of the transfer portal after he was hired this winter. Makane’ole was one of the bigger gets, coming from LSU.

The football from the mainland wasn’t much different, he said. He also said there hasn’t been much of a difference in talent from transferring over from the SEC to the Big 12.

“I’ve always been an offensive lineman,” Makane’ole said. “I know I played both ways back in high school, but mostly I was pretty much focusing on the offensive line, because that’s what I really wanted to focus on.”

“When I first got here, because I’d never seen snow before,” Makane’ole said. “On my official visit, I jumped in and made a little angel because I had never experienced it before.”

Makane’ole said his defensive line history actually helped him develop versatility when playing each different position on the line. He talked about how both sides of the line have to be similar sizes and be in a similar shape. Makane’ole also said it helps to think like a defensive lineman to predict and pick up certain pass rushes. 

“I’m very versatile, but whatever coach Rod or coach Bicknell wants me at, I’ll be there,” Makane’ole said.

“Probably in like sixth grade,” Makane’ole said.

Makane’ole is still learning the names of his teammates and some of the blocking schemes, but he’s enjoying Morgantown so far.

“I don’t know what that’s about,” Makane’ole said.

But, in his final season with the Tigers, the redshirt junior, at the time, played defensive line instead of offensive line. In West Virginia, Makane’ole has swapped back.

Makane’ole’s journey is as intriguing as that weight slip-up. A transfer from LSU, he’s part of the massive overhaul heading into Rich Rodriguez’s second stint at WVU. Switching from defensive line back to his true calling on the offensive front, the redshirt junior is carving out his place — adjusting not just to the colder weather of Morgantown but to a fresh tempo offense and a whole new team dynamic. From Hawaii roots to the sweltering South, and now the crisp climate of West Virginia, his story is one of adaptability and grit. It’s clear: he’s not just here to fill a spot — he’s here to make his mark.