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Sports · College sports · published 2026-08-27 · via Sports Illustrated

Injuries Test Badgers' New Offensive Line Coach Early

Wisconsin's offensive line coach Eric Mateos faces an immediate challenge with two starters injured and likely missing the season opener. The team will rely on backups Stylz Blackmon, Blake Cherry, and Lucas Simmons-Johansson. Mateos has a strong track record of developing effective offensive lines at previous stops.

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The injuries to Emerson Mandell and Kevin Heywood leave the right side of Wisconsin's line unsettled heading into the season opener. Both players missed nearly all of fall camp, forcing the coaching staff to accelerate development of backups Stylz Blackmon, Blake Cherry, and Lucas Simmons-Johansson. Cherry brings limited experience from rotational duty at Arkansas, while Blackmon arrives from the Division II ranks.

Mateos has a history of building effective offensive lines even in difficult circumstances, including at Arkansas last season where the unit performed well despite a 2-10 record. His working

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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Potentially Down 2 Starters, Badgers may Need Eric Mateos to Work his Magic Immediately.” Browse more stories.