Wisconsin’s Offensive Line Outlook: A Rebuild in Motion Under Eric Mateos
With the 2026 recruiting class now locked in, Wisconsin is already shifting its attention to the next wave of talent, particularly in the trenches. As the Badgers begin shaping their 2027 class, all eyes are on the offensive line - a group that’s facing major turnover and a fresh start under new position coach Eric Mateos.
Let’s break down where things stand, what’s needed, and who might step up as the Badgers retool one of the most critical units on the field.
A Line in Transition
Mateos takes over a room that’s undergoing a significant facelift. The departures are notable - left tackle Riley Mahlman is graduating, and center Jake Renfro has entered the transfer portal.
Left guard Joe Brunner is widely expected to declare early for the NFL Draft, assuming his evaluation comes back strong. That’s three starters potentially gone before spring ball even begins.
The losses don’t stop there. Depth pieces like Davis Heinzen, Kerry Kodanko, and JP Benzschawel have all exhausted their eligibility, leaving Wisconsin with a thinner, less experienced group heading into 2026.
This isn’t just a case of plugging in a few backups. It’s a full-scale reconfiguration.
Portal Priorities: Center Stage
At the top of the to-do list for Mateos and the staff? Find a starting center - and fast.
Ryan Cory is a name to watch, but the expectation is that the job won’t simply be handed to him. Competition is coming, likely through the portal, and it needs to be someone who can step in and command the offense from Day 1.
But the needs don’t stop at center. The Badgers could use a plug-and-play guard and another tackle to solidify the edges.
Injuries hit hard in 2025, with Kevin Heywood and Barrett Nelson both missing the entire season. If healthy, those two are likely penciled in at left and right tackle, respectively.
Still, given the uncertainty, adding depth - and more importantly, competition - is a must.
Interior Shuffle: Brunner’s Decision Looms Large
Inside, Brunner’s draft decision will shape much of the strategy. If he stays, that’s a huge piece to build around.
If he goes, the staff will need to consider reshuffling the deck. One name to watch is Emerson Mandell.
He played right tackle this past fall, but there’s a real possibility Mateos sees him as a better fit on the interior. That kind of versatility could be key in balancing the line.
Colin Cubberly now has starting experience under his belt, which is valuable, but adding a veteran guard from the portal would give the unit more stability and leadership. Wisconsin doesn’t just need bodies - they need guys who can step in and elevate the group.
The Youth Movement: Time to Develop
Don’t overlook the young guns, either. Wisconsin’s 2025 offensive line class was one of the more highly regarded groups in recent years. While it’s tough for true freshmen to crack the rotation, a few names are already creating some internal buzz.
Nolan Davenport and Michael Roeske are two players who could be ahead of schedule in their development. Both have the physical tools and mental makeup to push for meaningful reps in 2026. Spring camp will be a proving ground - not just for them, but for the entire unit.
Big Picture: A Fresh Start with Big Stakes
This is more than just a personnel shuffle - it’s a foundational moment for Wisconsin’s offense. The line is the engine of everything they want to do, and Mateos is tasked with rebuilding that engine on the fly. With several key pieces gone, question marks at multiple positions, and a new coach bringing his own philosophy, this spring is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent memory for the Badgers’ offensive front.
Expect movement. Expect competition.
And expect Mateos to waste no time putting his stamp on this group. The rebuild is on - and it starts now.