Wisconsin projected offensive line depth chart after Kevin Heywood's season-ending injury
News broke on Tuesday that Wisconsin football will be without projected starting left tackle Kevin Heywood for the 2025 season.
Coach Luke Fickell relayed news of the severity of Heywood's injury while meeting the media after his team's spring practice session. BadgerExtra's Colten Bartholomew then later confirmed that the standout sophomore tore his ACL in his left knee.
The update is a major blow to Wisconsin's chances in 2025. Heywood was the team's clear starting left tackle despite not having starting experience at the college level. The former top-50 recruit made the Badgers' two-deep last season as only a true freshman. Although starter Jack Nelson did not miss a game during that campaign, Heywood appeared ready to see the field immediately upon joining the program.
Wisconsin, like many programs across the country, doesn't boast significant depth at tackle. It's challenging to build that depth in today's era of constant transfer movement. The team does have several candidates to capture the starting left tackle role, though none present the upside or dependability that Heywood does as only a sophomore.
For more on those options and on how the team may line up, here is an updated look at Wisconsin's offensive line two-deep after Heywood's injury:
Right Tackle: Riley Mahlman
Mahlman is set to anchor the right side of the Badgers' offensive line for the third consecutive season. He could be a candidate to flip to the left side, though that would be a risky move, given his proven ability and production in his current position. It goes without saying that the team cannot afford an injury in this position, given Heywood's status.
(Backup: Barrett Nelson)
Right Guard: Kerry Kodanko
Wisconsin's right guard position will be a fall camp battle to watch. J.P. Benzschawel was the projected starter through much of the offseason, though Kodanko has reportedly been earning significant reps in spring practice. Emerson Mandell also worked at this position, though he may move out to left tackle after Heywood's injury.
(Backup: J.P. Benzschawel)
Center: Jake Renfro
Renfro returns after starting 12 games for the Badgers last season. The veteran also has a season of high-end experience at Cincinnati under Luke Fickell. While there are some questions across the line, the center position should be set.
(Backup: Ryan Cory)
Left Guard: Joe Brunner
Brunner started all 12 games at left guard in 2024. While he battled minor injuries throughout the campaign, he was part of a starting offensive line unit that remained intact all season. Per UW Athletics, his 77.8 PFF pass-blocking grade was the third-highest among Big Ten guards. He projects as one of the team's best linemen entering 2025.
(Backup: Colin Cubberly)
Left Tackle: Leyton Nelson
Nelson transferred in last offseason after two seasons at Vanderbilt, during which he appeared in 12 total games. He then missed the entire 2024 season with a knee injury. The veteran was projected as a versatile depth piece on the 2025 line. Now, he has the inside track at starting.
(Backup: Emerson Mandell)
Top Left Tackle Candidates/Options
Leyton Nelson Transfer (TBD) Emerson Mandell Joe Brunner (move from left guard) Riley Mahlman (move from right tackle)
As things stand on April 15, Nelson has the inside track at the starting job. The veteran was projected as the team's backup swing tackle, meaning he's at least good enough to see the field. A high-profile transfer addition would obviously change the current plan and may be the team's best option.
Notable long-shot ideas that Wisconsin may try in spring practice are flipping Mahlman to the opposite side of the line, although that would both jeopardize his success and create a big need at right tackle, or pushing left guard Joe Brunner to tackle. The latter could work, as the team has capable backups at both guard positions.
Who emerges as the team's starting left tackle will be a primary storyline to watch as its spring session concludes and the 2025 season nears.
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