Wisconsin Bolsters Offensive Line with Transfer Portal Addition of Stylz Blackmon
The Wisconsin Badgers continue to make waves in the transfer portal, and their latest addition up front could be one of the more intriguing pieces yet. On the heels of an official visit to Madison, 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman Stylz Blackmon has committed to the program, giving new offensive line coach Eric Mateos another building block in what’s become a full-on trench overhaul.
Blackmon comes to Wisconsin from Augustana and brings with him two years of eligibility plus a redshirt. That flexibility, combined with his frame and early college experience, makes him a valuable addition to a unit that’s clearly been a priority for the Badgers this offseason.
This isn’t just a depth move. Blackmon started 10 games as a true freshman during the 2024 season - a rare feat that speaks to his readiness and upside.
He’s physical, he’s durable, and he’s already logged meaningful snaps in college football. That’s the kind of résumé that fits right into what Wisconsin is building under Mateos and head coach Luke Fickell.
Blackmon joins a transfer class that’s been nothing short of aggressive, particularly in the trenches. Wisconsin hit the portal hard and fast, bringing in four offensive linemen within the first 10 days - Austin Kawecki (Oklahoma State), Blake Cherry (Arkansas), Lucas Simmons (Florida State), and PJ Wilkins (Ole Miss). With Blackmon now in the fold, the Badgers are expected to close the books on their offensive line additions for this cycle.
But it’s not just the offensive line that’s seen reinforcements. The Badgers have assembled a deep and diverse portal class across the board, with over 30 transfers committed.
That includes names like Iowa State safety Carson Van Dinter, BGSU tight end Jacob Harris, Oklahoma State cornerback Eric Fletcher, and Florida State cornerback Cai Bates. On offense, they’ve added USC tailback Bryan Jackson, Oklahoma wideout Zion Kearney, and Louisville quarterback Deuce Adams, among others.
It’s a group that spans nearly every position group - from the front seven to the secondary, from skill spots to special teams. And while the volume is impressive, so is the balance.
This isn’t a case of throwing darts at the board. There’s a clear strategy at play: bring in experienced, physically ready players who can compete right away or grow into key roles over the next couple of years.
For Blackmon, the opportunity is clear. Wisconsin’s offensive line is in transition, and while the program has long been known for its tradition of big, physical, road-grading linemen, the new staff is putting its own stamp on the unit - blending power with versatility and depth.
Blackmon fits that mold. He’s got size, experience, and room to develop under a coach in Mateos who’s known for maximizing talent in the trenches.
With the offensive line portion of the portal work nearly complete, Wisconsin appears to be closing this phase of roster building with purpose. The Badgers have addressed needs, added competition, and brought in players who can help raise the floor and ceiling of the program. Stylz Blackmon is the latest piece of that puzzle - and one worth keeping an eye on as spring ball approaches.
