The Badgers will have multiple veteran pieces to work with along the offensive line next season.
The Wisconsin Badgers will have multiple veteran pieces returning to their offensive line in 2025, as center Jake Renfro announced he’ll be staying one more year just one day after star right tackle Riley Mahlman issued the same message on X.
Jake Renfro is back as well. #Badgers will have returners at at least two points now with Riley Mahlman coming back as well. https://t.co/MXumqTkKOM
— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) December 7, 2024
Renfro, a transfer from Cincinnati ahead of the 2023 season, started for Wisconsin at center this year after missing nearly two full seasons due to injuries.
He was a key cog in the middle of Wisconsin’s offensive line, providing stability and leadership, and was a big question to return in 2025 or explore professional opportunities with the NFL Draft.
Ultimately, he will be staying, providing a foundation for Wisconsin up front as they are expected to have some changes along their offensive line.
While Renfro and Mahlman are both returning in 2025, left tackle Jack Nelson and right guard Joe Huber are both out of eligibility, providing the need for some of Wisconsin’s backups to step up into starting roles.
2024 four-star Kevin Heywood is the expected riser at left tackle, as he has been the No. 2 tackle since arriving in the spring. At right guard, the Badgers have options, but could turn to J.P. Benzschawel, who has patiently waited his turn after being a four-star in the Class of 2021.
Wisconsin is expected to hire Kansas Jayhawks offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes for the same role, who has been a run game savant and a former offensive line coach during his 30-year coaching tenure. He’ll have some veterans to work with as the Badgers look to right the ship in 2025.