Wisconsin right tackle Kevin Heywood expected to play vs Notre Dame
· Yahoo Sports
MADISON – The Wisconsin offensive line will almost be at full strength when it opens the season against Notre Dame under the lights of Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Sept. 6.
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According to a social media post by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, right tackle Kevin Heywood is expected to play, but right guard Emerson Mandell is not.
Heywood, who missed the 2025 season due to a left ACL injury, suffered a lower-body injury during the second day of fall training camp and needed to wear a walking boot on his right leg. He never returned to 11-on-11 drill work during camp, but his individual work progressed during the final days. After the final scrimmage, he and Mandell were running hard sprints on the practice field.
Mandell also appeared to be progressing toward a return during fall camp. He has been out since the spring after having surgery on his foot. During Big Ten media day in July, Fickell was asked if Mandell’s injury would sideline him for the season.
“I don't know. We expect him to be OK,” Fickell said. “It'll be how comfortable is he.”
If Mandell doesn’t play, junior Stylz Blackmon, a transfer from Division II Augustana, likely will start at right guard. Heywood’s spot at right tackle was filled by junior Lucas Simmons-Johansson.
During Fickell’s news conference Aug. 31, he said many offensive linemen were expected to get snaps against Notre Dame.
“I bet you will see a lot of guys play,” he said. “I'm not saying that in Week 4 that's what we want, but I think as this journey begins, we know that there are some things up front that guys have worked. Guys have provided some things. They've earned the opportunity to be able to play.”
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin right tackle Kevin Heywood expected to play vs Notre Dame