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Wisconsin starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to miss rest of 2026 season
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- Wisconsin starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to miss rest of 2026 season
MADISON – Wisconsin football will be without a key offensive player for the rest of 2026.
UW starting left tackle Kevin Heywood has suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season, according to the Big Ten Network broadcast. A team spokesman confirmed the news.
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Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said in his postgame press conference that surgery will "be coming here soon probably at some point in time."
Heywood started in each of the Badgers ' first eight games of the 2026 season – the first four games on the right side before switching to left tackle – before being ruled out for the Rutgers game in Week 10.
He allowed only six pressures in 220 opportunities, according to Pro Football Focus. Colin Cubberly and Stylz Blackmon had been the only other offensive linemen to start in each of Wisconsin's first eight games.
Heywood was listed as doubtful on the Wednesday and Thursday availability reports before getting downgraded to out on the Friday and Saturday availability reports.
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Ole Miss transfer PJ Wilkins started in Heywood's place at left tackle while Lucas Simmons-Johansson also earned opportunities at the position in the Badgers' Week 10 game against Rutgers . Fickell said that Wilkins had the "best week he's had all year" in his preparation and practices leading up to the Rutgers game.
Wisconsin tight end Jacob Harris (89) scores a touchdown on a 66-yard reception during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) celebrates his 66-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Harris (89) during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux (9) picks up 16 yards on a reception before being tackled by Rutgers defensive back JJ Conyers (25) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) sacks Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is pressured during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin wide receiver Shamar Rigby (7) is hit by Rutgers defensive back Tariq Hayer (44) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Hayer was ejected from the game for targeting.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin linebacker Nicolas Clayton (12) cebrates his sack of Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin offensive lineman Colin Cubberly (78) is shown during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) stuffs Rutgers running back Clay Thevenin (9) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Nolan Vils (92) pressures Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux (9) picks up 16 yards on a reception before being tackled by Rutgers defensive back JJ Conyers (25) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) throw s pass as offensive lineman Austin Kawecki (51) provides protection during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) tackles Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond (3) for a two-yard loss during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Rutgers defensive back Devonte Anderson (21) breaks up up a pass intended for Wisconsin tight end Jacob Harris (89) aunt he end zone during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond (3) jumps over Wisconsin defensive back Javan Robinson (2) during the first quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson (21) makes a move on Rutgers defensive back Tariq Hayer (44) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is tackled by Rutgers defensive back DK Gilley (9) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin wide receiver Tyrell Henry (0) make a short gain during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin offensive lineman PJ Wilkins (71) blocks Rutgers defensive back Dk Gilley (9) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) runs for short gain while being pursued by Rutgers defensive lineman Sekou Kromah (8) and defensive lineman Malachi Davis (11) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell watches his team kick a 51-yard field goal during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Rutgers’ Devonte Anderson (21) commits pass interference while covering Wisconsin wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux (9) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) sacks Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) celebrates his sack of Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Wisconsin safety Marvin Burks Jr. (4) tackles Rutgers running back Clay Thevenin (9) during the first quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is shown during the third quarter of their game against Wisconsin Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin tight end Jacob Harris (89) scores a touchdown on a 66-yard reception during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin tight end Jacob Harris (89) scores a touchdown on a 66-yard reception during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) celebrates his 66-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Harris (89) during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux (9) picks up 16 yards on a reception before being tackled by Rutgers defensive back JJ Conyers (25) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) sacks Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is pressured during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin wide receiver Shamar Rigby (7) is hit by Rutgers defensive back Tariq Hayer (44) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Hayer was ejected from the game for targeting.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin linebacker Nicolas Clayton (12) cebrates his sack of Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the fourth quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin offensive lineman Colin Cubberly (78) is shown during the fourth quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) stuffs Rutgers running back Clay Thevenin (9) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin defensive lineman Nolan Vils (92) pressures Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
11
/26
Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux (9) picks up 16 yards on a reception before being tackled by Rutgers defensive back JJ Conyers (25) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) throw s pass as offensive lineman Austin Kawecki (51) provides protection during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) tackles Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond (3) for a two-yard loss during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Rutgers defensive back Devonte Anderson (21) breaks up up a pass intended for Wisconsin tight end Jacob Harris (89) aunt he end zone during the third quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond (3) jumps over Wisconsin defensive back Javan Robinson (2) during the first quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin running back Bryan Jackson (21) makes a move on Rutgers defensive back Tariq Hayer (44) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) is tackled by Rutgers defensive back DK Gilley (9) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin wide receiver Tyrell Henry (0) make a short gain during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin offensive lineman PJ Wilkins (71) blocks Rutgers defensive back Dk Gilley (9) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin quarterback Ryan Hopkins (10) runs for short gain while being pursued by Rutgers defensive lineman Sekou Kromah (8) and defensive lineman Malachi Davis (11) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell watches his team kick a 51-yard field goal during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Rutgers’ Devonte Anderson (21) commits pass interference while covering Wisconsin wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux (9) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) sacks Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace (10) during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) celebrates his sack of Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Wisconsin safety Marvin Burks Jr. (4) tackles Rutgers running back Clay Thevenin (9) during the first quarter of their game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Wisconsin football vs Rutgers highlights at Camp Randall Stadium
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is shown during the third quarter of their game against Wisconsin Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
More: Wisconsin could turn to these players if tackle Kevin Heywood can't play
Wisconsin offensive lineman Kevin Heywood (55) blocks Michigan State linebacker Trey Lisle (8) during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to miss rest of 2026 season
