Nelson participated in 12 games for the Commodores with the Badgers’ new offensive line coach, A.J. Blazek, as his position coach. The vast majority of that playing time came last season (11), and Vanderbilt’s profile of the Orlando native states he played 60 snaps in 2023. 

Nelson said he told the Vanderbilt staff about his intentions the Friday before the opening of the spring transfer portal window, which runs from April 16 through April 30.

“Coming to a program that the expectation of more than just winning, getting to a bowl game and just getting to those championship games is huge for me,” Nelson said. “Also, where O-line is a priority for the whole program, not just the offense itself. Like that’s known there, it’s not just talked about. That’s two big things … and then also just knowing coach Blaz as a prior relationship.”

How he was used at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt listed Nelson at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds on last season’s roster. He played a unique role within the’ offense where PFF gave him a 71.9 grade in run blocking.

“I played strong tackle at Vandy,” Nelson said. “That’s where we go to the strength of the formation, so I played left and right basically. It’s like an average of 50% both ways.”

Where could Nelson fit within Wisconsin’s offensive line?

The Badgers’ offensive line received some hits in its depth during the offsesaon. Tanor Bortolini, who versatility shined at Wisconsin, moved on to professional aspirations and now awaits where he could land in the 2024 NFL Draft later this week. 

Three players — Trey Wedig (Indiana), Dylan Barrett (Iowa State) and Nolan Rucci (Penn State) — entered the transfer portal and found new homes at Power Four schools. Barrett Nelson has suited up but not participated in any of the 11 spring practices through Tuesday.

The lack of depth in this position group has affected Wisconsin during the spring. Blazek has given second-team reps to true freshmen early enrollees Kevin Heywood and Colin Cubberly. Cubberly has needed to play both within the interior and out at right tackle.

Leyton Nelson, along with 2024 signees Ryan Cory, Derek Jensen and Emerson Mandell, should provide more scholarship bodies to the position group overall once they arrive later this year.

“And then over at Wisconsin, coach Blaz said, ‘You just got to come in and basically fight for any spot, whatever we’re going through, and I’m not gonna guarantee you anything,’” Nelson said. “And I said, ‘Just be upfront with me. I’m going to come in ready to work swinging basically,’ because I don’t want to settle for second string at all. That’s not me.