2026 NFL Draft: Vikings Select C Gavin Gerhardt

TL;DR

The Minnesota Vikings selected center Gavin Gerhardt from the University of Cincinnati with the 235th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Gerhardt, a three-time team captain, helped lead his team to a strong offensive performance, allowing only eight sacks in 2025.

Key points

Minnesota Vikings selected Gavin Gerhardt in the 2026 NFL Draft
Gerhardt played for the University of Cincinnati
He was a three-time team captain
The Bearcats allowed only eight sacks in 2025
Gerhardt started 49 games in his college career

Mentioned in this story

Minnesota VikingsUniversity of Cincinnati

Gavin Gerhardt2026 NFL Draft

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 18: Center Gavin Gerhardt #53 of the Cincinnati Bearcats snaps the ball before a game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Cincinnati won 49-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Minnesota Vikings have made another selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with this pick, they have gone back to the offensive line one more time.

Gavin Gerhardt

**Date of Birth**: **College**: University of Cincinnati **Drafted**: Round 7, #235 overall **Height**: 6’4” **Weight**: 310 pounds With the 235th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings have taken center Gavin Gerhardt from the University of Cincinnati. A three-time team captain for the Bearcats, Gerhardt anchored an offensive line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, an award that goes to the nation’s best offensive line. The Bearcats allowed just eight sacks as a team in 2025, and Gerhardt had one of the lowest rates of pressure allowed in the country at the center position. Gerhardt also has plenty of experience, as he started 49 games in his career with the Bearcats. We’ll see what sort of opportunity Gerhardt gets to compete for the center spot in Minnesota. is currently penciled in as the starter at the position and saw time at that spot last year as well. Jurgens should get a chance to fight for a roster spot, at the very least. Welcome to Minnesota, Gavin Gerhardt!

Q&A

Who is Gavin Gerhardt and what are his college achievements?

Gavin Gerhardt is a center from the University of Cincinnati, known for being a three-time team captain and anchoring an offensive line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award.

What round and pick was Gavin Gerhardt selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Gavin Gerhardt was selected in the 7th round as the 235th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What competition will Gavin Gerhardt face for the center position on the Vikings?

Gavin Gerhardt will compete for the center position against Blake Brandel, who is currently the starter, and Michael Jurgens, who also played at that spot last year.