Wisconsin starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to miss rest of 2026 season.
WisconsinWisconsin 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. 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. More: Wisconsin could turn to these players if tackle Kevin Heywood can't play
KEY POINTS
- Wisconsin starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to miss rest of 2026 season.
- A team spokesman confirmed that Wisconsin offensive lineman Kevin Heywood will miss the rest of the 2026 season with a knee injury.
- 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.