Wisconsin starting offensive lineman out for remainder of spring

Wisconsin football projected starting offensive lineman Emerson Mandell is out for the remainder of spring practice with a foot injury.

Head coach Luke Fickell broke the news when speaking with reporters following Tuesday's practice.

"Emerson [Mandell] is out for the rest of spring," Fickell said. "He had a little surgery on his foot and will be out for the rest of spring."

Fickell did, however, follow up that he expects him back in action before the 2026 season begins.

Mandell joined the program as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024. He appeared in two games during his true freshman season in 2024 before jumping into a prominent role as a redshirt freshman in 2025, starting 12 games, one at right guard and 11 at right tackle.

The Moundsview, Minnesota, projects as one of the team's leading offensive linemen entering the 2026 campaign. He projects to lead the unit alongside left tackle Kevin Heywood, who missed the 2025 campaign with a knee injury. Both players' health will be key to the performance of a unit that is critical to the team's success this season.

Wisconsin begins its 2026 campaign with a neutral-site game against Notre Dame, the potential No. 1 team in the preseason AP Poll.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Emerson Mandell injury status spring practice