Wisconsin Football 2024 Spring Practice Preview: Offensive Line
Can the Badgers offensive line take a step forward under AJ Blazek?
Wisconsin Badgers head football coach Luke Fickell and his staff are preparing for their second round of spring practices with the program.
The Badgers are set to begin spring ball on March 22 and run until May 2. Several of those practices are expected to be open to the media.
Here's a look at Wisconsin's offensive line room, along with a player to watch, a newcomer that excites me, and the biggest question mark.
Wisconsin’s Projected OL Depth Chart
Starters:
LT: Jack Nelson
LG: Joe Brunner
C: Jake Renfro
RG: Joe Huber
RT: Riley Mahlman
Backups:
LT: Kevin Heywood
LG: Colin Cubberly
C: James Durand
RG: JP Benzschawel
RT: Barrett Nelson
Wisconsin football is undergoing significant changes on the offensive line for myriad reasons. The transfer portal has played a notable role, as evidenced by the departures of Dylan Barrett, Trey Wedig, and Nolan Rucci this offseason. Additionally, Tanor Bortolini, a versatile asset for the Badgers who started at center last fall, has moved on to the NFL.
With key depth pieces to replace and a positional battle to navigate on the interior, Wisconsin enters a pivotal transition phase under new offensive line coach AJ Blazek.
At the tackle spots, the Badgers seem solid, with Jack Nelson opting to return and Riley Mahlman holding down the right side. Nelson, in particular, experienced a dip in his draft stock during the 2023 season. Can he reclaim his former status as one of Wisconsin's premier players?
However, the interior positions present more uncertainties. Jake Renfro, who is expected to be the starting center, has been hindered by injuries, making his ability to stay healthy a pressing concern. At the guard positions, Joe Huber is set to retain his starting role, but Michael Furtney's departure leaves a vacancy at the opposite guard spot. The battle for this position will likely involve contenders such as Joe Brunner and JP Benzschawel, a pair of promising interior prospects.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the competition unfolding within the Badgers' interior offensive line. However, Wisconsin football also needs to re-establish its depth, and early enrollees Kevin Heywood and Colin Cubberly will have a chance to get plenty of work this spring.