Joe Huber, a versatile offensive lineman from Wisconsin, went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but quickly signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent. Despite not being selected, his journey to the NFL is filled with surprising twists and remarkable achievements. Here are five shocking facts about Joe Huber that highlight his resilience, versatility, and potential to make an impact in the NFL.
1. From No-Star Recruit to NFL Prospect
Joe Huber’s journey to the NFL is a true underdog story. As a high school sophomore at Dublin Jerome High School in Ohio, he weighed just 170 pounds and played on the junior varsity team. Even as a junior, he remained on JV at 190 pounds. It wasn’t until a late growth spurt—reaching 220 pounds and 6 feet 4 inches by his senior year—that he became a varsity starter. Despite earning all-state honors as a right tackle, Huber was an unranked, no-star recruit with no scholarship offers. He walked on at Cincinnati, one of only two programs to offer him a chance, and eventually earned a scholarship, defying the odds to become an NFL prospect.
2. Played Every Offensive Line Position
Huber’s versatility is jaw-dropping. Over his college career at Cincinnati and Wisconsin, he played all five offensive line positions: left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle. He logged 854 snaps at right tackle, 825 at left guard, 765 at right guard, and 16 at center. This rare flexibility makes him a valuable asset for the Vikings, who value depth and adaptability on their offensive line. Huber himself emphasized his versatility, stating, “I try to sell myself on my versatility because I’ve played all five positions, and also my availability.”
3. Never Missed a Snap Due to Injury
In an era where injuries are common in football, Huber’s durability is astonishing. Throughout his college career, which spanned 37 starts across three positions, he never missed a snap due to injury, nor did he miss a practice or meeting. This remarkable reliability is a testament to his physical toughness and preparation, making him an appealing pickup for the Vikings, who need dependable depth behind injury-prone starters like Will Fries and Ryan Kelly.
4. One of the Highest-Paid Undrafted Free Agents
Despite going undrafted, Huber secured a lucrative deal with the Vikings, signing a three-year, $2.9 million contract with $264,000 in total guarantees—one of the highest amounts for an undrafted free agent in 2025. This significant investment reflects the Vikings’ confidence in his potential to compete for a roster spot. His contract stands out in a draft class where the Vikings had only five picks, highlighting their aggressive approach to bolstering their offensive line through free agency.
5. Elite Pass-Blocking Stats That Rival Top Draft Picks
Huber’s on-field performance is nothing short of shocking for an undrafted player. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Huber had a 2024 pressure rate of just 1.7%, ranking fifth among interior offensive line draft prospects, outperforming many who were drafted. In 765 snaps at right guard, he allowed only nine pressures and one sack all season, earning a pass-blocking grade of 76.2, which ranked 14th among Big Ten linemen. His elite metrics suggest he could outperform expectations and challenge for a backup role in Minnesota.
Conclusion
Joe Huber’s path to the NFL is a testament to perseverance, versatility, and raw talent. From an unranked high school recruit to a highly sought-after undrafted free agent, his story is filled with surprising twists that make him a player to watch. With his ability to play multiple positions, unmatched durability, and elite pass-blocking stats, Huber has a real chance to make the Vikings’ 53-man roster and prove that the rest of the NFL made a mistake by passing on him in the 2025 Draft.