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.