The Badgers are handing the keys over to a sophomore at the most important position on the line.

The Wisconsin Badgers had two staples at the tackle positions over the past few years, with Jack Nelson and Riley Mahlman manning the left and right tackle spots, respectively.

However, that’ll change in 2025, as Nelson is out of eligibility, declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. In today’s world, many would go to the transfer portal to replace a key departure. But, Wisconsin is relying on its younger players, turning to sophomore Kevin Heywood as its next left tackle.

Heywood, a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, was Wisconsin’s swing tackle out of necessity as a true freshman, even playing 35 snaps when Nelson went down against Northwestern.

Now, it’s his turn to take the reins as Billy Edwards’s blindside protector. Why did the coaching staff feel confident to turn to the sophomore already?

“You’ve seen his offseason with [strength coach] Brady [Collins] and stuff, just from a strength standpoint, and his change of direction has gotten better,” offensive line coach A.J. Blazek said on Friday.

“His functional movements are better. Pass pro. He’s redirecting faster. I think that’s the biggest thing is you see his functional movement for the position, and he’s made that a conscious effort all offseason.”

As Heywood gets more entrenched at the position, it’s expected that the communication factor with left guard Joe Brunner will grow. But, Wisconsin is going from one unique tackle to another, as Jack Nelson was 6’7, 315 pounds, while Heywood stands 6’8, 312 pounds.

The idea of coaching some of the most intriguing players at the offensive line position was in part why Blazek chose to come to Wisconsin, which has a storied history of developing linemen.

“That’s why you come to coach O-line of Wisconsin,” Blazek said about coaching tackles like Heywood and Riley Mahlman. “You know what I mean? You get to recruit the best O-lineman in America, and you can go recruit against anybody. You get the guys that might be an inch or two longer, but just as physical or just as strong. You get to recruit the guys that might be all the high character. Check the boxes. They’re doing everything you want. They’re great leaders. Oh, and they’re really good blockers.

“There might be 15 of them in the country. You can be in a game with all of them, and they know that. That’s why they come here. So it’s to coach those guys. That’s the expectation. You’re going to be a tackle here at Wisconsin. You’re going to be a big, long athlete, likes to get physical, and that’s what we’re out recruiting.”

Heywood will be one of the biggest keys for the Badgers this year as they look to re-establish themselves in the Big Ten under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes and his scheme.

It’s early, but the sophomore has looked good early in the spring, which is potentially a sign of things to come this season.