Jayden Brannan’s speed-to-edge conversion is paying off for Portland State
Brannan is a fascinating Portland State fit because he’s a former skill-position athlete who has grown into a disruptive defensive end, and that background shows up in the pass rush: the Vikings said his speed as a former wide receiver helps him get after quarterbacks, and in 2025 he played in 11 games with six starts, posting 22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. Portland State also noted he battled an injury that limited him to three games in 2024, so his ceiling is tied to health; when he’s right, he brings twitch, effort and a little chaos in the best possible way.
