Wisconsin is heading into its season opener with a clearer picture up front, and the news is mixed for the Badgers.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, starting right tackle Kevin Heywood is expected to play against No. 4 Notre Dame on Sunday night at Lambeau Field, while starting right guard Emerson Mandell is expected to sit out. Neither situation is fully settled yet, but that update points Wisconsin toward getting most of its line intact for the opener.
Heywood’s availability would be a welcome lift after a summer of uncertainty. He was hurt early in fall camp during practice No. 2, then stayed out of live work for the rest of camp.
Even so, he remained around the unit, coaching and encouraging the rest of the offensive line room. He spent much of camp in a boot on his right foot, though he was out of it by the final stretch and seemed to be moving in the right direction.
Mandell’s path has looked tougher. After foot surgery following an injury in spring ball, he worked off to the side throughout fall camp and never appeared close to full participation. His return felt less likely as camp went on, even though the injury itself was older than Heywood’s.
If things play out as expected, Wisconsin’s starting five would line up like this: PJ Wilkins at left tackle, Colin Cubberly at left guard, Austin Kawecki at center, Stylz Blackmon at right guard and Heywood at right tackle.
There’s also the possibility that Arkansas transfer Blake Cherry gets work at guard, and Blackmon and Cherry could rotate unless Blackmon comes out strong immediately. Even with Mandell out, the Badgers appear to have four of five starters available, which is a major relief after it looked for a while like the entire right side of the line might be in doubt.
One more thing to watch Sunday night: how much Heywood plays. Florida State transfer Lucas Simmons-Johansson took reps at right tackle in his place, and he could still see the field.
“There could be a combination, and I bet you you'll see a lot of guys play,” Fickell said about the Badgers' offensive line this week.
In Other News...
Wisconsin May Need An Unexpected Answer Against Notre Dame Up Front
The first big question for Wisconsin this week is what the line will look like when it matters most against Notre Dame. The Badgers are already dealing with uncertainty around starting right guard Emerson Mandell and tackle Kevin Heywood, which puts extra attention on the next wave of players up front. In a game where the matchup in the trenches figures to shape everything, that kind of late-week uncertainty can quickly turn a familiar depth chart into a test of flexibility.
That is where a few less obvious names suddenly become worth watching. Blackmon, Cai Bates and Brock have been mentioned as players who could factor in if Wisconsin needs help on the offensive front, and the staffs view of them during fall camp has been consistently positive. Coaches have praised not just the way those players work, but the kind of character they bring, which matters even more when a game plan may need a quick adjustment before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsin's Week 1 Prep Just Got More Complicated With Notre Dame
Notre Dames first injury report for its Week 1 matchup with Wisconsin immediately added another layer to an already interesting opener. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is listed as questionable while he continues recovering from an ACL injury, leaving the Badgers to prepare without knowing whether one of the Irishs most important front-seven pieces will be available.
The report also ruled out several other players, including wide receiver Quincy Porter and offensive linemen Matty Augustine and Charles Jagusah, which only adds to the uncertainty on Notre Dames side. For Wisconsin, that means the opening-game prep now comes with a little more guesswork than usual, especially with both teams still sorting out exactly who will be ready when kickoff arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Wisconsin Heads Into Notre Dame With Key Lineup Questions Up Front
The lead-up to Wisconsins Week 1 trip to Notre Dame has been marked by a familiar sort of preseason uncertainty up front, with the Badgers still sorting through their offensive line health as game week closes in. Kevin Heywood and Emerson Mandell are both questionable, and Mandell appears headed for a game-time decision, leaving the staff to weigh how much continuity it can count on when the matchup gets real.
Jaylon Domingeaux is also listed as questionable, adding another layer to an offense that could already be leaning on some early-season adjustments. For a Wisconsin team trying to get settled against a high-profile opponent right out of the gate, the availability of a few key pieces may end up shaping not just the starting lineup, but the way the Badgers manage their entire receiver rotation. [Read more 🡒]