Minnesota Vikings Select Michigan Fullback Max Bredeson in 2026 NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings selected former Michigan Wolverines fullback Max Bredeson with the 159th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The pick reunites Bredeson with his former Michigan teammate and quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was also drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Background and College Career

Max Bredeson, a native of Hartland, Wisconsin, began his college career at Michigan in 2021 as a walk-on tight end before transitioning to fullback. Over five seasons with the Wolverines, he appeared in 54 career games with 18 starts. Though not known for prolific statistics, Bredeson earned recognition for his blocking ability and leadership.

He was twice voted a team captain by his teammates in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, Bredeson was named an All-Big Ten selection (third team by coaches, honorable mention by media) and won the Robert P. Ufer Bequest and Toughest Player of the Year Award. He also received the 2025 LowMan Trophy, awarded to the top fullback in college football.

During his final season in 2025, Bredeson recorded two catches for 11 yards before sustaining a broken foot in a road game at Maryland. Despite limited offensive production, his value to the Michigan program was consistently highlighted by coaches and teammates for his reliability, toughness, and blocking proficiency.

Path to the NFL

Bredeson’s journey to the NFL began as an overlooked recruit. After arriving at Michigan as a walk-on, he earned a scholarship through consistent performance and dedication. His versatility as a tight end/fullback hybrid and reputation as one of the nation’s top blocking forwards attracted NFL interest.

He became the fourth Michigan player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, following Derrick Moore (second round, Detroit Lions), Marlin Klein (second round, Houston Texans), Jaishawn Barham (third round, Dallas Cowboys), and Jimmy Rolder (fourth round, Detroit Lions).

Reunion with Former Teammates

Bredeson will join former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, continuing a partnership that began when they arrived in Ann Arbor in the same recruiting class. McCarthy was present in the background during Bredeson’s post-draft video call with Twin Cities media, offering congratulations from Hartland, Wisconsin.

“We came [to Michigan] in the same recruiting class,” Bredeson said. “It’s actually crazy, we threw with the same quarterback coach in high school. He turned out to be a better quarterback than I am, unfortunately. But known him for a while. Best friends through playing at Michigan, the great wins we got to have together. Just grew close to [him] through all that.”

In addition to McCarthy, Bredeson will reunite with former Michigan safety Josh Metellus, who was also drafted by an NFL team and is expected to join the Vikings’ roster.

Role with the Vikings

The Vikings selected Bredeson to provide depth and competition at the fullback position following the retirement of two-time Pro Bowl fullback C.J. Ham in March 2026. His skill set as a blocker in both the running game and pass protection aligns with Minnesota’s offensive scheme under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

While fullbacks are rarely selected in the modern NFL draft, Bredeson’s selection underscores the Vikings’ commitment to adding physical, versatile players who contribute on special teams and in short-yardage situations.

Conclusion

Max Bredeson’s selection by the Minnesota Vikings represents the culmination of a five-year journey at Michigan defined by leadership, resilience, and team-first commitment. Though his statistical profile may not reflect elite offensive production, his value as a blocker, captain, and locker room presence was instrumental to the Wolverines’ success, including their 2023 national championship.

Now transitioning to the NFL, Bredeson aims to earn a role with the Vikings by leveraging his toughness, football intelligence, and experience playing alongside elite teammates. His reunion with J.J. McCarthy and potential collaboration with Josh Metellus adds a familiar dynamic to Minnesota’s roster as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Key Takeaways

• Max Bredeson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 159th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
• He is a former Michigan Wolverines walk-on who became a two-time team captain and All-Big Ten honoree.
• Bredeson recorded two catches for 11 yards in his final college season before suffering a broken foot.
• He will reunite with former Michigan teammates J.J. McCarthy and Josh Metellus in Minnesota.
• The Vikings drafted Bredeson to replace retired fullback C.J. Ham and add depth to their offensive backfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Max Bredeson play?

Max Bredeson plays fullback, though he began his college career as a tight end and is capable of contributing in multiple offensive roles, particularly as a blocker.

Why did the Vikings draft a fullback in 2026?

The Vikings selected Max Bredeson to provide competition and depth at fullback following the retirement of two-time Pro Bowler C.J. Ham. Fullbacks remain valuable in short-yardage situations, pass protection, and on special teams.

What are Max Bredeson’s career statistics at Michigan?

Over five seasons at Michigan, Max Bredeson appeared in 54 games with 18 starts, recording 12 receptions for 132 yards. In his final season (2025), he had two catches for 11 yards before sustaining a season-ending foot injury.

Is Max Bredeson related to any other NFL players?

There is no publicly available information indicating that Max Bredeson is related to any current or former NFL players.

When did Max Bredeson announce his availability for the NFL Draft?

Max Bredeson did not formally announce his availability; he was eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft after completing his college career at Michigan and was selected in the fifth round by the Vikings.