May 12, 2026, 8:55 p.m. CT
Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
FilmExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Background InfoListed at 6-2/245 lbs.3-Star prospect according to 247 SportsSwitched from quarterback to tight end in High SchoolTransferred to Texas Tech from Louisiana-LafayetteFirst-team All-Sun Belt in 2024Second-team All-Big 12 in 2025Notable career stats heading into 2026172 Targets131 Receptions1,570 Receiving Yards12 Yards Per Reception12 TouchdownsNotable numbers from PFF heading into 2026Used in-line as a tight end 46% of the time2.1 Yards Per Route RanAverage Depth of Target of 6.2 Yards8 Drops10 Contested Catches MadeStrengthsUsed in-line and out wide at the tight end spotCan generate power as a runner and blockerGood athlete with YAC ability in part due to his explosivenessGood route tree for how new to the position he isSneaky with his eleusiveness in space to make defenders miss and maximize touchesPlayer Summary
Terrance Carter Jr. had a big first year at Texas Tech, and he returns in 2026 to capitalize on it all one last time. He showed in 2026 that the speed and athleticism remain from what we saw in 2025, but he added some strength and an ability to run through defenders to pick up extra yards. Carter will be toward the top of the tight end rankings for me, and is someone who I feel can even finish in the top rankings when we get around to them next Spring.