Andrew Van Ginkel: From College Standout to NFL Linebacker
Andrew Van Ginkel (born July 1, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL involved a path through the University of South Dakota and the University of Wisconsin.
Early College Career at South Dakota
Van Ginkel began his college career at the University of South Dakota, where he played defensive end. In 2015, he started all 11 games for the South Dakota Coyotes. As a freshman, he earned first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. He finished third in voting for STATS FCS National Freshman of the Year, the highest among defensive players. He was also named to the MVFC All-Newcomer team. Van Ginkel led the conference and ranked 10th nationally with 1.7 tackles for loss per game, totaling 18.5 TFLs and 9.0 sacks for the season.
Transfer to Wisconsin Badgers
Before joining the Wisconsin Badgers, Van Ginkel transferred from USD to Iowa Western.
2017 Season
In 2017, Van Ginkel earned his first letter, playing in all 14 games. He recorded 39 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. He also contributed 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups. His contributions aided a unit that ranked No. 2 nationally in total defense (262.1 yards per game), No. 3 in scoring defense (13.9 points per game), No. 3 in rushing defense (98.4 ypg), and No. 1 in pass efficiency defense (96.4). Notably, he recorded a key interception, 3 solo tackles, 1.0 sack, and 2 pass breakups against Miami in the Orange Bowl on December 30. He also returned an interception for a touchdown, forced and recovered a fumble, and made 3 tackles against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 2. Other highlights included 3 tackles, including 1.0 TFL, at Minnesota on November 25; 2 tackles, including 0.5 TFL, vs. Michigan on November 18; 4 tackles, including 0.5 sack, vs. Iowa on November 11; 4 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, and 1.0 sack at Illinois on October 28; 1.0 TFL and 1 pass breakup at Indiana on November 4; 2 tackles, including 1.0 TFL, and 1 forced fumble vs. Maryland on October 21; 4 tackles, including 1.0 TFL, at BYU on September 16; and 4 total tackles and 1.0 sack vs. Florida Atlantic on September 9. He made his Badgers debut vs. Utah State in September.
2018 Season
In 2018, Van Ginkel earned his second letter, starting in all 13 games as an outside linebacker. Despite being limited by an ankle injury for part of the season, he recorded a team-high 5.5 sacks. He made 60 total tackles, including 9.5 TFLs, forced 2 fumbles, and recorded 3 pass breakups. He logged a career-high 10 tackles, all solo, along with 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble in a triple-overtime win at Purdue on November 17. He also had 8 tackles, including 2.0 TFLs and 1.0 sack, and forced a fumble vs. Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27. Additional performances included 8 tackles, including 1.5 TFLs and 0.5 sacks, at Penn State on November 10; 6 tackles, 1.0 TFL, and 1.0 sack vs. Illinois on October 20; and 6 tackles, including 0.5 TFLs, vs. Minnesota in November.
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Across his Wisconsin career, Van Ginkel played in 27 games with 10 starts, logging 99 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, and 12.0 sacks. He also recorded 4 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups.
NFL Career
Miami Dolphins (2019-2023)
Van Ginkel was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round, 151st overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was placed on injured reserve on September 6, 2019, and designated for return on November 13, 2019, before being activated on November 20, 2019. On November 1, 2020, against the Los Angeles Rams, Van Ginkel recovered a fumble by Jared Goff and returned it for a 78-yard touchdown, contributing to a 28-17 win.
Minnesota Vikings (2024-Present)
On March 13, 2024, Van Ginkel agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings. On September 8, 2024, he had an interception for a touchdown. By July 8, 2025, Andrew Van Ginkel landed at No. 88 on NFL's Top 100 of 2025. On April 29, 2025, the Vikings announced a contract extension with Van Ginkel for one year, $23 million.
High School Career
Prior to his college career, Van Ginkel was a first-team all-state selection at defensive back as a senior in high school. He was also selected for the Iowa Shrine Bowl all-star game. Throughout his high school career for Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, he recorded 176 total tackles, 21.5 TFLs, 10 interceptions, and 10 fumble recoveries. His team went 32-4 during his three varsity seasons. As a senior, he recorded 95 tackles, including 14.5 for loss. He also played quarterback, throwing for 1,466 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 1,413 yards and 15 TDs.
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