The NCAA’s Final Four teams for 2023 are undoubtedly the most surprising in recent tournament history. San Diego State, Florida Atlantic University, Uconn, and the University of Miami all have a chance for the national title, but more importantly, the Minnesota Vikings have both players and personnel with connections to each of the four Final Four teams. Here are the Minnesota Vikings’ players who’s Alma Matters are contending for the National Championship:
San Diego State – Kevin O’Connell (HC)
Vikings’ Head Coach Kevin O’Connell was a star quarterback for the Aztecs of San Diego State from 2004 – 2007. O’Connell surpassed 7,689 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes in his time with San Diego State. Both statistics are within the program’s top 5 in those categories. O’Connell dominated the run game, rushing for 1,312 yards and 19 touchdowns, both program records.
Florida Atlantic University – Greg Joseph (K)
Vikings’ Kicker Greg Joseph was the kicker for Florida Atlantic from 2014 – 2017. In 4 seasons at Florida Atlantic, Joseph made 165 out of 170 extra point attempts (97.1%) and 57 out of 82 field goal attempts (69.5%). As of his graduation, Joseph was the program’s leader in field goals made (57), points scored (336), and PATs made (165).
The University of Miami – KJ Osborn (WR)
Vikings’ Wide Receiver KJ Osborn played for Miami for only 1 season in 2019, attending the University of Buffalo for 3 years before that. In his time with Miami, Osborn led the team with 50 receptions 547 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Osborn was also the go-to return guy in Miami returning 16 punts for 255 yards, and 10 kickoffs for 201 yards.
The University of Connecticut – Shamar Stephen (DT)
Shamar Stephen is the only former Vikings player on this list. Shamar Stephan was a Defensive Tackle for the University of Connecticut from 2009-2013. In his time at UConn, Stephan had 3 sacks, 101 tackles, 13 TFLs, 6 passes defended, and 1 field goal block.
