The Minnesota Vikings announced on Apr. 25 that they have selected Gavin Gerhardt, a center from the University of Cincinnati, with the 235th overall pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft.
Gerhardt joins a group of former Bearcats now on the Vikings roster, including linebackers Eric Wilson and Ivan Pace Jr., as well as Jake Golday and guard Joe Huber. This connection is notable because it strengthens existing relationships within the team and could support Gerhardt’s transition to professional football.
“That’s awesome,” Gerhardt told Twin Cities media members via a virtual call Saturday evening. “Cincinnati truly means a lot to me. That’s a place that will forever be in my heart.” He added, “I know quite a few familiar faces there and really looking forward to being teammates again.”
During his college career at Cincinnati from 2020-2025, Gerhardt started 49 out of 54 games, which is the most starts at center by any player in program history and tied for third across all positions. In his final season, he started all 13 games and contributed to his team’s offensive line earning Big 12 Line of the Week honors three times.
Gerhardt visited Minnesota earlier this month for an official visit and spoke positively about his interactions with coaches. “[The coaches] were just genuine, good human beings,” he said. “Obviously I think highly of them coaching-wise, but they were all very good people… That’s the vibe I got when I was there in Minnesota from the coaching staff.” He also described spending time with offensive line coach Keith Carter during classroom sessions and walk-throughs on the field.
Looking back on his college experience, Gerhardt said he did not originally plan to play center but adapted after switching positions following his second season at Cincinnati. He reflected: “After being able to learn a new system with a new coaching staff and then also learning how to make all the calls as a center, that’s when I became most comfortable and realized I could potentially do it at the next level.” As he prepares for training camp as a seventh-round selection, Gerhardt remains confident: “I understand I’m a new guy to the franchise… but I also have the mindset that I’m going to come in and earn a position… make sure the Vikings know they made the right pick.”