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The offensive line has always been a big deal for Wisconsin. The program is known for its toughness, player development, and producing NFL-level blockers.
In recent years, things haven’t looked like the classic “O-Line U.” The Badgers have dealt with injuries, coaching changes, new schemes, and too much inconsistency up front.

Thankfully, after the 2026 spring practices, there are good reasons to think this group is heading in the right direction.
One major change is that Eric Mateos is now leading the offensive line. He has worked with offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes before, which helps. Wisconsin has been searching for stability on offense, and the line is where that’s most important.
The Badgers also made several additions through the transfer portal, bringing in Austin Kawecki from Oklahoma State, PJ Wilkins from Ole Miss, Lucas Simmons-Johansson from Florida State, Blake Cherry from Arkansas, and Stylz Blackmon from Augustana.
The starting lineup seems to be set at least initially with PJ Wilkins at left tackle, Colin Cubberly at left guard, Austin Kawecki at center, Emerson Mandell at right guard, and Kevin Heywood at right tackle. Overall, it’s an interesting mix.

Oct 25, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys offensive lineman Austin Kawecki (51) blocks against Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive guard E’Maurion Banks (8) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Left Tackle: PJ Wilkins (Ole Miss transfer)

Left Guard: Colin Cubberly

Center: Austin Kawecki (Oklahoma State transfer)

Right Guard: Emerson Mandell

Right Tackle: Kevin Heywood

Kawecki brings experience and stability at center. Cubberly and Mandell have Big Ten experience on the inside and upside to get better. Heywood is a high-ceiling player who missed last season with an injury. Wilkins could be the key factor. He’s a big, athletic player who mostly played guard before, but Wisconsin seems confident he can handle tackle.
The tackle spots are the most interesting part of the group. Heywood and Wilkins are likely the top two, but both are still developing. Heywood has great physical tools but needs more game experience. Wilkins has the size, but there are some questions about his quickness that revolve around his game.

Wisconsin wants to see if Wilkins can handle being a full-time Big Ten left tackle. Behind them, Simmons-Johansson is the main backup. If he improves, Wisconsin will have real depth at tackle. If not, the Badgers could be just one injury away from having to make changes again.
The interior of the line seems more solid. Kawecki is expected to anchor the center spot, and Cubberly and Mandell give Wisconsin two young players with real starting experience. Mandell had foot surgery this spring, but he’s expected to return by fall. While he was out, Blake Cherry got important first-team reps, which could help if Wisconsin needs extra linemen during the season.
The main takeaway after spring is that the offensive line isn’t a finished product, but it has more depth. Last year, Wisconsin was just trying to fill gaps. This year, there are real options. The Badgers have a likely starting five, a solid third tackle, young players to develop, and more competition overall.

How good this group can be depends on whether Heywood and Wilkins become reliable tackles. The lowest point depends on whether the depth holds up if injuries happen. Still, for the first time in a while, Wisconsin’s offensive line feels less like a weak spot and more like a group that could return to the program’s usual high standard.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Post-spring Wisconsin Badgers offensive line outlook and 2026 preview
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