Summer is here, 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? 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.

Player Information

Player: Tanner Koziol

School: Houston

Height/Weight: 6-7/232 lbs.

Player Background

– 3-Star Recruit

– Freshman All-American in 2022

– Third-Team All-MAC in 2023

– First-Team All-MAC in 2024

– Transferred from Ball State to Houston

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 163 Receptions

– 1,507 Receiving Yards

– 9.2 Yards Per Reception

– 18 Touchdowns

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 73.1 PFF Receiving Grade

– 67.7 PFF Blocking Grade

– 3.3 Yards After Contact Per Reception

– 1.47 Yards Per Route Run

– Average Depth of Target of 8.6 Yards

– 37 Contested Catches

Player Traits

– Reliable blocker who can drive defenders back

– Strong hands, makes catches through contact

– Separates well from defenders

– YAC Ability for days

– Underrated route running ability

Player Summary

Tanner Koziol is going to be going from the MAC to the Big 12 in 2025, and in the process, he has a chance to become one of the best tight ends in the country. From a prospect standpoint, there is a lot to like about the former Ball State product. He thrives as a runner picking up yards after the catch, and can easily be a team’s top receiving option as a tight end. Koziol also has good route running and blocking ability, but can get even better with proper coaching. He is your prime example of the foundation for a successful professional, who is now heading to a tougher conference and eventually the NFL, and will bring out the best in him. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston