Arkansas Razorbacks
· 2026-07-15
Former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Blake Cherry is expected to see action for Wisconsin in 2026, but will he start?
Cherry, a 6-foot-5, 308-pound sophomore, played in all 12 games as a freshman for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2025, mostly in mop-up duty and special teams. He was recruited by Wisconsin's new offensive line coach Eric Mateos, who hand-picked Cherry to join him in Madison.
Mateos praised Cherry's toughness and Wisconsin O-line type of guy, saying, "He's got really quick, good feet. He's a little stiff in a good way. Like, he's wound up, when he hits people there's some pop there and some snap." This could be a concern for the Razorbacks, as Cherry's departure might impact their depth chart.
Cherry is expected to be the Badgers' top backup at offensive guard behind Emerson Mandell and Colin Cubberly. A best-case scenario for Cherry involves him earning a rotational role where he still plays a handful of snaps but isn't relied upon to be a starter. However, a worst-case scenario could see him getting surpassed on the depth chart or riding the bench the entire year.
Wisconsin's new coach Eric Mateos loves Cherry's game, and he's a surefire second-teamer at the very least. Cherry's career isn't riding on him earning a starting role this fall, but he could potentially be the Badgers' No. 3 offensive guard. A rotational role would be beneficial for both Wisconsin and Cherry, allowing him to develop into a stellar, starting-caliber offensive lineman.
The Arkansas Razorbacks will face off against North Alabama Lions on September 5, 2026, in their next game. Meanwhile, Cherry will be looking to make a name for himself in Wisconsin's lineup.
I don't see Cherry starting this fall unless Cubberly or Mandell goes down with an injury. He's a talented player, but he's still in his second year of eligibility, and there's still plenty of time for him to develop into a starting-caliber offensive lineman.
category: player_focus