Wisconsin Football Returns One of the Nation’s Top Graded Offensive Linemen

The Wisconsin football team’s offensive line underwent a notable transformation last offseason as the Badgers transitioned to the spread offense under Phil Longo.

However, that transformation didn’t necessarily go over as smoothly as anticipated, which led to position coach Jack Bicknell getting re-assigned to another role and AJ Blazek getting hired to fill his spot.

That said, one offensive lineman in particular who enjoyed a breakout of sorts was Badgers redshirt sophomore Riley Mahlman.

Mahlman started all 13 games at right tackle last season and posted a 74.4 offensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, this ranked as the fifth highest grade among offensive linemen in the Big Ten and stood out as the best among Wisconsin Badgers starters.

Heading into 2024, Mahlman will serve as a cornerstone of the Badgers’ offensive line, boasting the eighth-highest grade among returning offensive tackles according to PFF.

Top Returning Offensive Tackles for the 2024 Season💪

(Via: @MaxChadwickCFB) pic.twitter.com/zSfheZxK47

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 26, 2024

Riley Mahlman Will Be a Focal Point of the Wisconsin Football Offensive Line

Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Riley Mahlman (71) blocks Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote (99) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK

Riley Mahlman returns for his fourth season in the Wisconsin football program and will be one of the Badgers unquestioned starters under the direction of new position coach Blazek.

Left tackle Jack Nelson, left guard Joe Huber, and presumably Jake Renfro at center will also return as starting options for Wisconsin. However, there is expected to be an open competition for the remaining guard spot, with Joe Brunner and JP Benzschawel.

Mahlman was a steady presence for Wisconsin football at right tackle in 2023, registering a 76.6 pass blocking grade via PFF, which was second only to Badgers center Tanor Bortolini who is off to the NFL.

According to their grading metrics, the 6-foot-8 Minnesota native only had two games all season at right tackle where Mahlman didn’t finish rated at least above average, and even had four that were considered elite.

Now, the hope is that Mahlman, and the other Wisconsin football offensive lineman can take another step forward in year two of the spread offense, aiming to restore the unit’s production to the program’s standard.

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