The Houston Texans announced they've signed former Cincinnati Bearcats center Gavin Gerhardt to their practice squad.
Gerhardt was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round (235th overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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In August, Gerhardt was waived by the Vikings during final roster cuts.
The Cincinnati Bearcats team practices during fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
The Cincinnati Bearcats team practices during fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Austin Hoane (52) and Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Teron Tyo (77) run a drill during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Nolan Latulippe (72) blocks Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Ryan Schiele (16) during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Outside Linebacker Merquivious Saboor (5) prepares to run a route during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Brooks Goodman (12) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Running Back Jonathan Thompson (22) prepares to throw a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Grant Edgington (78) takes a break during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Joshua Smith (20) stands with the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Brooks Goodman (12) runs with the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback JC French IV (4) prepares to throw the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Safety Ty Goodwell (7) runs with the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Safety Xavier Starks (46) catches a pass while running a defensive drill during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Cornerback Daniel James (25) runs the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield looks on during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Daelen Waller (19) runs a drill during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Max Jackson (17) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Max Jackson (17) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Daelen Waller (19) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Edge Rusher Kamron Neal (97) hits a pad during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) attempts to catch a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Marcus Gregor (75) cools off during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Cornerback Patrick Williams (13) tackles Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Lorenzo Penner (2) during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
The Cincinnati Bearcats team practices during fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
The Cincinnati Bearcats team practices during fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
The Cincinnati Bearcats team practices during fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Austin Hoane (52) and Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Teron Tyo (77) run a drill during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Nolan Latulippe (72) blocks Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Ryan Schiele (16) during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Outside Linebacker Merquivious Saboor (5) prepares to run a route during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Brooks Goodman (12) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Running Back Jonathan Thompson (22) prepares to throw a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Offensive Lineman Grant Edgington (78) takes a break during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Joshua Smith (20) stands with the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Brooks Goodman (12) runs with the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback JC French IV (4) prepares to throw the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Safety Ty Goodwell (7) runs with the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Safety Xavier Starks (46) catches a pass while running a defensive drill during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Cornerback Daniel James (25) runs the ball during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield looks on during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Daelen Waller (19) runs a drill during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Max Jackson (17) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Max Jackson (17) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Daelen Waller (19) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Edge Rusher Kamron Neal (97) hits a pad during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) attempts to catch a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcats Marcus Gregor (75) cools off during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Cornerback Patrick Williams (13) tackles Cincinnati Bearcat Wide Receiver Lorenzo Penner (2) during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp
Cincinnati Bearcat Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during Cincinnati Bearcats fall training camp at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Gerhardt was signed to the Vikings' practice squad the next day, and waived from the practice squad the following day.

Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt (53), Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Aiden Pastoriza (73), Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Taran Tyo (77), Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Grant Edgington (78) stand together during football practice at Sheakley Athletic Performance Center in Cincinnati on Dec. 18, 2025.
Gerhardt was a three-year captain at UC. He was named Honorable Mention Big 12 in his final season with the Bearcats.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Texans sign Gavin Gerhardt, ex-UC Bearcats center, to practice squad
