Sources: Wisconsin Relieves Offensive Line Coach A.J. Blazek of Duties
MADISON, Wis. — For the fifth time in six seasons, Wisconsin will have a different offensive line coach. Sources tell Badger Blitz that head coach Luke Fickell has fired A.J. Blazek after two seasons with the Badgers.
Blazek joined Wisconsin in 2024. In his first season, the Badgers allowed just 13 total sacks, the fewest in the Big Ten Conference and good for No. 10 in FBS. UW also only surrendered 3.92 tackles for loss per game, which ranked third in the league.
However, 2025 was a different story for various reasons. Battling injuries and youth, the Wisconsin offensive line paved the way for a run game that ranked No. 111 in the country at 116.7 yards per game under Blazek. The Badgers were also sacked on 9.33 percent of their dropbacks, which stood No. 126 in FBS.
As of Wednesday, UW could return as many as three starters on its offensive line — junior Joe Brunner, redshirt freshman Emerson Mandell, and redshirt freshman Collin Cubberly. The Badgers have lost seniors Riley Mahlman, Davis Heinzen, and Jake Renfro to graduation. Key backup JP Benzschawel will also not be back next season.
Sources told Badger Blitz that Blazek was told of the decision on Wednesday morning.
During Blazek’s two seasons in Madison, he sent two players to the NFL — Joe Huber (Minnesota Vikings) and Jack Nelson (Atlanta Falcons).
Who Could Replace Blazek?
Per sources, Wisconsin has zeroed in on former Arkansas offensive line coach Eric Mateos, who was not retained by new head coach Ryan Silverfield. This is a preferred candidate of offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. Two worked together while at Baylor.
Mateos spent two seasons with the Razorbacks. In 2025, Arkansas averaged 5.8 yards per carry, which ranked fifth in the nation. The Razorbacks were also top 25 nationally in rushing yards per game (191.7).
This story will be updated
