Eric Mateos faced a significant challenge at Arkansas: rebuilding an offensive line capable of competing in the SEC. In one season, he moved the unit toward the middle of the pack, with sights set on a much better 2026. However, the head coach changed and Eric Mateos had to find a new job, he had plenty of options as one of the best line coaches in the country, but ultimately landed at Wisconsin.
In that rebuild, Mateos was forced to rotate in and play as a true freshman. One of the players who showed the most potential was Blake Cherry, an offensive tackle out of Oklahoma. He was a 3-star prospect, but he was immediately thrust into a big SEC job. Now, Mateos has brought him to Madison.
BREAKING: ARKANSAS OL Blake Cherry has committed to Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/97QN6eCXk5
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) January 6, 2026
OT Blake Cherry has committed to play for Wisconsin and Eric Mateos
Related: Wisconsin football transfer portal tracker: Who's out, in, and the speculation
According to his Arkansas bio, Cherry appeared in all 12 games, and that's incredible as a true freshman. Mateos must really like him and trust him to thrust him out there in every game, in one way or another. This is also good news for Wisconsin, as they don't need a full rebuild, but they do need to get better on the offensive line.
Cherry adds both experience and three years of eligibility. He's 6'5 and 316 pounds and can play either tackle position. It will be exciting to see how he fits in with the Mateos offensive line at Wisconsin.
When he was a recruit, his 24/7 recruiting bio written by Gabe Brooks said this, "Appears to be a big-bodied human-mover who can root out defenders in the run game...Plays mad and looks for extra work when available." If that doesn't sound like an old school Wisconsin Badger offensive lineman, what does?
Mateos may end up adding even more from Arkansas but the first one being Cherry is a big win for Wisconsin.