The Vikings’ Center Situation Is Wide Open
The Minnesota Vikings are getting closer to entering the 2026 season without a clear starter at one glaring position in the middle of the offensive line: center.
Following the departure of their previous starter, Ryan Kelly, Minnesota is left without a proven, long-term answer at one of the most important offensive positions. Not only is the center responsible for snapping the ball, but the center also sets protections while anchoring the offensive line. If the quarterback is Kyler Murray, who is new to the offense, stability at center is critical.
Could Blake Brandel Be the Answer?
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has indicated that Brandel is focusing heavily on the center position heading into 2026. According to the team’s current depth chart, Blake Brandel is currently listed as the team’s starter. This alone, after playing as a guard and tackle, is a strong indicator that the team views him as a legitimate candidate to start. They will likely continue to evaluate Michael Jurgens and draft a center that could be the future at the position.
The Case Supporting Brandel Is Legitimate:
- Started (7) games at center in 2025 due to injuries
- Offers positional versatility across the offensive line
- Has experience within O’Connell’s system
Brandel is in the last year of his 3-year contract, already understands the offense, has built chemistry with teammates, and now gets a full offseason to focus on the position after not really playing or practicing at it prior to the 2025 season. In 2025, he played surprisingly well despite not having much experience at the position.
The Case Against Brandel:
- Still relatively inexperienced at center
- Didn’t stick as a starter at guard
- Possibly just a great depth piece with versatility
At best, Brandel could seize the role for 2026 and stabilize the line. At worst, he serves as a bridge option while the team develops a center that is likely to be drafted in the 2026 draft. There is a learning curve for rookies coming into the center position: learning how to call protections against NFL defenses and being strong enough to anchor the middle when you are facing guys like Dexter Lawrence, who create havoc up the middle in this league.
Who Starts If Not Brandel?
Michael Jurgens and the rookie factor of the draft will play into who starts. Brandel will have to earn it. Jurgens remains in the mix as a developing option at backup center, having game experience, but inconsistency and injuries have prevented him from locking down the role. That has the Vikings looking to the draft for a long-term solution that will create a three-way competition in camp.
Top 6 Center Prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft
Here are six highly regarded center prospects the Vikings could target:
- 1. Connor Lew (Auburn)
- 2. Jake Slaughter (Florida)
- 3. Sam Hecht (Kansas State)
- 4. Logan Jones (Iowa)
- 5. Pat Coogan (Indiana)
- 6. Parker Brailsford (Alabama)
Final Thoughts
Brandel may have the early edge, especially with the coaching staff signaling confidence in his transition. But with a strong incoming draft class, the leash may be short if he struggles. It is also possible that Brandel shocks some and proves to be the answer at center, and in the last year of his contract.
The Vikings’ success will depend on staying healthy, and it is important to find stability and the future in the middle of their offensive line. Who the Vikings select and at which round in the draft may have an impact, as well as how ready that prospect is to come in and start for this team. There is some depth in this year’s draft at center, especially with the first four names I listed above. Ultimately, this will be a position battle to watch throughout camp this year.
