Ex-Razorback’s Road to the Badger Bench
Blake Cherry, a 6-foot-5, 308-pound offensive guard, followed his former Arkansas coach Eric Mateos to Wisconsin this offseason. After logging mop-up duty and special teams snaps in 12 games as a freshman, Cherry aims to carve out a rotational role behind starters Emerson Mandell and Colin Cubberly. Mateos praises Cherry’s quick feet, raw pop at the point of attack, and passion for the game. Worst-case, he rides the bench behind the incumbents; best-case, he steps into the lineup due to injury or outplays a starter. Either way, Cherry’s sophomore season promises more snaps than before, though a full-time starting gig remains unlikely barring unforeseen circumstances.
Move over, cupcake opponents—Cherry’s here to remind everyone there is such a thing as offensive line drama. He’s the college football version of “The New Kid Who Might Actually Be Good,” complete with the obligatory “I’ve got pop” talk that offensive linemen love because it makes them sound like breakfast cereal. If he can levitate a defensive tackle in practice, maybe he’ll snag a starting spot; if not, he’ll be warming up tackles like a spa day. Either way, we’ve got popcorn ready for the bench-brawl.
Badgers Land 2028’s Linebacker Whisperer
Wisconsin has secured a verbal commitment from Orlando linebacker Cale Britt, their first pledge in the 2028 cycle. Standing 6-3 and weighing 207 pounds, Britt earned MVP honors at Wisconsin’s summer camp and held 35 offers including Alabama, Michigan, and Notre Dame. Comfortably early in the recruitment, Britt cited immediate sense of belonging and team culture as reasons for his decision. Projected as an early contributor, he’ll train across all three linebacker spots under Tuf Borland and Mike Tressel, potentially expediting his path to the field and serving as a recruiter for future Badger recruits.
Ah, the miracle of modern college recruiting—a teenager tweets “I’m all in” and suddenly Madison is ground zero for every self-respecting linebacker on the planet. Britt’s heading north, leaving Florida sunshine for freezing lakes, all because a university camp MVP trophy has more psychological pull than any beachfront resort. Soon he’ll whisper sweet defensive calls into teammates’ ears, then climb Mount Wisconsin to recruit the next generation. All hail the power of early commitment!
Philly Hoops Showdown: Badgers vs. Villanova Redux
Wisconsin will continue its Big East home-and-home series by meeting Villanova at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 12, 2026. After a 76-66 loss in Milwaukee last season, the Badgers will attempt redemption on what is technically neutral ground. Under second-year coach Kevin Willard, Villanova earned an NCAA Tournament berth last year—their first since Jay Wright’s retirement. Wisconsin’s non-conference slate, featuring Colorado State, Auburn, and Marquette, aims to toughen the Badgers ahead of Big Ten play.
Nothing says “neutral site” like renting the home court of the city’s most beloved franchise—courtesy of the NBA’s overlords. Wisconsin’s basketball boss must love sending fans on a cross-town quest for affordable parking. Meanwhile, the Badgers get to test themselves against the same Wildcats who already took them to school in Milwaukee. It’s like scheduling a second first date after you realized you left your phone at the restaurant. Sweet redemption, maybe—just hope the referees don’t get lost en route to family feud central.
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