The Badgers enter the 2026 campaign with a clear plan for their interior line, and the name at the center of that plan is Colin Cubberly. After a redshirt freshman year that saw him make his first career start at right guard against Middle Tennessee State, Cubberly is now slated to shift to left guard and become the linchpin of Wisconsin’s front five.
Offseason Momentum
During the 2025 season Cubberly appeared in 11 games and logged seven starts at right guard, showing flashes of the physicality that coaches have praised. His development has been highlighted by offensive line coach Eric Mateos, who noted a "significant improvement" during the offseason program. The coaching staff believes the guard’s growth will translate into a more consistent presence on the line.
Teammates and analysts alike have described Cubberly’s play style as "physical and nasty," emphasizing his willingness to engage in the trenches and his extracurricular activities that add a gritty edge to the Badgers’ offense. His focus this spring has been on refining pass‑protection technique, a facet Mateos says will be critical for the upcoming season.
2026 Projection and Big Ten Implications
Analysts project Cubberly to be a slightly above‑average Big Ten offensive guard in 2026, a rating that reflects both his potential upside and the realistic expectations for a player still building experience. The best‑case scenario envisions him solidifying the left side of the line, opening running lanes and protecting the quarterback more effectively, while the worst‑case outlook cautions that inconsistency could limit his impact.
If the guard can sustain the momentum he generated in the offseason, Wisconsin’s offensive line could see a measurable boost in both run efficiency and pass‑protection metrics. That improvement would not only bolster the Badgers’ immediate prospects but also reinforce the program’s reputation for developing NFL‑ready linemen.