Ranking the Big Ten offensive lines heading in 2022

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin offensive lineman Jack Nelson (79) proceeds pass protection during the second quarter in the Badgers’ 24-0 win over Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.Mjs Uwgrid10 10 Jpg Uwgrid10
Wisconsin offensive lineman Jack Nelson (79) proceeds pass protection during the second quarter in the Badgers’ 24-0 win over Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.Mjs Uwgrid10 10 Jpg Uwgrid10 /

(3.) Wisconsin Badgers

Offensive Line coach: Bob Bostad (1st season in second stint as Badgers OL coach, on staff previously as LB coach and OL coach in Madison several years ago).
Projected line-up: LT Logan Brown, LG Tanor Bortolini, C Joe Tippmann*, RG Jack Nelson, RT Tyler Beach

Summary: The Badgers have a very potent offensive line as they almost always seem to possess, but the actual specifics of the starting lineup are still to be worked out in fall camp. Beach actually started last season for the Badgers, but there’s a lot of speculation that he could slide to right tackle to make space for Logan Brown to step into the starting lineup, likely on the left-hand side. Brown also could play right tackle himself if needed.

The biggest battle is likely at left guard where Bortolini competes with veteran Michael Furtney, though Bortolini started five games last year to Furtney’s one.

Either way, whichever guard starts will have help next to them as Joe Tippmann returns as a very quality center after starting almost all of last season for the Badgers, and Jack Nelson was an All-Big Ten honorable mention last year at right guard.

Wisconsin took a little bit to get going, but their rushing attack found life midseason, and ultimately finished as the Big Ten’s second-ranked rushing attack in 2021, with plenty of depth and experience back this season to pave the way for star running back Braelon Allen.