The wait during draft weekend didn’t keep Tristan Leigh from getting his opportunity.
After going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Clemson offensive tackle quickly found a home, signing with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. It’s a different path than expected for a former five-star recruit, but it still gives Leigh a real chance to fight for a roster spot heading into the fall.
Leigh’s football career took time to fully come together at Clemson. After arriving in 2021 with high expectations, he didn’t lock down a starting role until the 2023 season. From that point on, he became a steady piece of the offensive line, starting 33 games over his final three years, primarily at left tackle. Across five seasons, he played in 42 games and logged 2,202 offensive snaps.
His impact went beyond just playing time. Before the 2025 season, Leigh was voted a permanent team captain by his teammates, showing how much his voice and leadership meant inside the locker room. He grew into one of the more vocal leaders on the team, something that helped define his final stretch in a Clemson uniform.
NFL Draft 2026: Cade Klubnik photos from Clemson football career📸 Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images https://t.co/sutzzgSR2b pic.twitter.com/PZJkF2y0r0
Now, Leigh heads to Minnesota with a chance to prove himself at the next level. Nothing is guaranteed for undrafted players, but with his size, experience, and leadership background, he’ll have a legitimate shot to make an impression during camp.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson OL Tristan Leigh signs UDFA deal with Minnesota Vikings