EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings used the 97th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to bring a Wildcat to Minnesota.
Former Northwestern standout Caleb Tiernan told media members shortly after being drafted, "I love purple, so that kind of works out," visibly excited about beginning his NFL journey.
Listed at 6-foot-7 5/8 and 323 pounds, the offensive lineman started 43 straight games for Northwestern; he moved from right to left tackle for his final three seasons.
Tiernan played his final collegiate season as a graduate student, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors following 13 starts. According to analytics site Pro Football Focus, Tiernan was penalized four times and allowed three sacks across 788 in 2025.
Here are five things to know about the Vikings offensive lineman:
1. Credits family for football passion
Tiernan spoke with media members at the NFL Scouting Combine and credited his dad and older brother for jumpstarting his love of football. Tiernan started playing flag football as a first grader while his brother (in fourth grade) played tackle. The next year, Tiernan followed in his footsteps and transitioned to tackle football.
One of four children (three boys and one girl), Tiernan noted his father often coached his and his siblings' youth teams, and it was through that experience he learned about the importance of following through with commitment and remaining loyal to a team.
2. Wealth of knowledge
It's likely no surprise that, as a former Northwestern student athlete, Tiernan boasts a high I.Q. in football and academics.
The 23-year-old was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and graduated with his undergrad degree. He currently is taking his final class toward a master's degree in sports administration.
3. Played both ways
Tiernan attended Detroit Country Day School, where he immediately played on the varsity team as a freshman; by the following season, he started at tackle and defensive end and helped his team to the state playoffs.
Tiernan helped lead Country Day to 13-1 record as a junior and earned all-state honors after finishing the season with 59 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss.
He also played basketball in high school.
4. Already has wins at Ford Field
Tiernan has two significant wins at Ford Field under his belt before every playing an NFL game.
As a high school senior, he won the Michigan state title at the Lions home field after losing the championship game the year prior. He interestingly also finished his college career at Ford Field, helping the Wildcats defeat Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
Tiernan has the potential to visit his home state once a season with the Vikings.
5. From purple to purple
Only two athletes were drafted out of Northwestern this year.
Both were offensive linemen … and they each ended up back in purple with the NFL's only two purple teams. While Minnesota drafted Tiernan, the Ravens used their final pick of the draft — 253rd overall — to nab guard Evan Beerntsen.
*The Daily Northwestern* noted this spring marked the first time multiple Wildcat offensive linemen were selected in a draft since 1971.
Two other Northwestern players found NFL homes following the draft itself: DL Aidan Hubbard and CB Fred Davis II signed with the Seahawks and Commanders, respectively, as undrafted free agents.
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