Vikings Training Camp Will Have 3 Main Differences in 2026

The Minnesota Vikings welcome about 35 new players to training camp this week, with 91 players overall in attendance. The head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator remain the same from last year, but as a whole, a few main differences will stand off the page.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell will hope to visit the postseason again in 2026 after a year off in 2025; these are three main changes at training camp that could help make it happen.

What Will Be Different at Vikings Training Camp in 2026

1. The Frank Smith Arrival and Impact

The Miami Dolphins cleaned house after the 2025 season, disbanding Mike McDaniel and his coaching staff, which also temporarily orphaned offensive coordinator Frank Smith. O’Connell and the Vikings swooped, offering Smith a job as assistant head coach. He accepted.

These are the Dolphins’ offensive rankings from 2022 to 2025:

The group was obviously known for its first two years when Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill were fully cooking. More importantly, though, Smith helped to cultivate and unlock running back De’Von Achane, who was not known as a sure-fire star coming out of Texas A&M in 2023. To an extent, he was in the same boat as Vikings rookie halfback Demond Claiborne. Achane and Claiborne also share a striking physical similarity in height and weight, and both are known for absurd speed.

Here are the Dolphins’ rushing numbers as of late:

Smith aided in Achane’s development, so much so that he’s considered a Top 8 running back around the business. If he could do that for Achane, why not Claiborne? Vikings fans have never seen an O’Connell-led offense run the ball at a totally balanced clip. It might be O’Connell’s missing link.

Smith in the room could be a major boost to the rushing offense, which is overdue.

2. Rookies — Mainly on Defense — Who Could Contribute Right Away

Since 2022, the Vikings rarely start rookies on defense. They just don’t. It’s actually a bit of a celebration when rookies play at all, let alone start.

In the last four years, these defenders drafted by the Vikings have rendered this output:

Eight games started by Vikings rookies on defense since 2022. Between Caleb Banks (DT), Jake Golday (LB), Domonique Orange (DT), Jakobe Thomas (S), and Charles Demmings (CB), there’s renewed hope that rookies may actually see the field sooner rather than later – – and perhaps even start.

The main contenders out of the gate in 2026 would be the defensive tackles: Banks and Orange. Minnesota operated during the 2026 NFL Draft without an official general manager, relying on Rob Brzezinski in an interim capacity. Some believe the coaches — Brian Flores in this case – – had more direct input than normal.

So, if Flores picked these rookies, maybe they’ll actually see live action. Training camp will provide early clues, rather than onlookers simply knowing rookies won’t play much.

3. The First QB Battle since 2014

The Vikings got close to a quarterback battle in the summer of 2024, though most understood that Sam Darnold would start while J.J. McCarthy watched and learned. McCarthy later tore his meniscus in the first preseason game, canceling any mystery about the quarterback position and ending his rookie year.

Before that, Kirk Cousins held down the fort in Minnesota for six seasons, with no camp battles. Therefore, the compeition in Eagan between Kyler Murray and McCarthy feels quite different and new.

The last time Minnesota held a summer quarterback competition, Matt Cassel, Teddy Bridgewater, and Christian Ponder squared off, with Cassel ultimately winning the showdown. It was Mike Zimmer’s first year – – 12 years ago.

It’s also worth noting that the Vikings’ quarterback battle might be the highest-profile roster duel in the NFL. That’s how much intrigue exists.

Here’s to hoping that the Vikings have the battle this summer, and then that’s the last one for many moons.

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VikesNow Verdict: This Vikings training camp won’t feel like the last few. A new offensive voice, defensive rookies with legitimate opportunities, and an actual quarterback competition will make Eagan considerably more fascinating.
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About The Author

Dustin Baker

Dustin Baker is the co-founder and editor of VikesNow, a novelist, a writer at CBS Sports, and a political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders, is out now, along with his debut thriller, The Motor Route. He hosts VikesNow on YouTube and has followed the Minnesota Vikings intently since 1996. Guilty pleasures include peanut butter ice cream, The Sopranos, Basset Hounds, and The Doors.

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