Minnesota’s high-upside special-teams linebacker with long-term starter traits
Ethan Stendel entered Minnesota as a top in-state recruit and, in the 2025 season, logged 11 games mostly on special teams with one tackle, so the early story is development more than box-score fireworks. He stands out for his size (6-3, 235), multi-sport background, and football versatility from Caledonia, where he starred as a quarterback and defender; that hints at instincts, toughness, and a competitive edge the stat sheet doesn’t fully capture. In 2026, reliable coverage pegged him as a rotational linebacker and special-teams contributor, with longer-term upside if his frame and processing keep growing.
