Dwight McGlothern Bio
Dwight McGlothern Jr. (born February 6, 2002) is an American professional football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU and Arkansas before entering the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, McGlothern brings a tall, athletic frame to the cornerback position, a profile that has shaped his role as an outside cover defender.
Early Life and Background
Dwight McGlothern Jr. was born on February 6, 2002, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in the greater Houston area. He attended Klein Oak High School in Klein, Texas, a program known across the region for producing college-level talent. At Klein Oak, McGlothern developed into one of the most versatile defensive backs in the state, lining up at both wide receiver and cornerback during his high school career.
Across his time at Klein Oak, McGlothern recorded 2,593 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns on offense, while also contributing 15 interceptions on defense, a statistical resume that underscored his two-way ability. He was selected to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star games in the country. Rated as a four-star prospect, he committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play college football at the highest level of the NCAA.
Path to American Football
McGlothern arrived at LSU as a four-star recruit and one of the most talked-about defensive back prospects in his class. The opportunity to compete in the Southeastern Conference at LSU gave him an early platform to test his skills against top-tier college competition. His development during his first two seasons in Baton Rouge laid the foundation for the breakout that would follow after his transfer.
Dwight McGlothern Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
As a true freshman at LSU in 2020, McGlothern appeared in seven games and recorded nine tackles, an encouraging debut for a young cornerback adjusting to the speed of the college game. The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, limited his exposure but gave him valuable game experience within the Tigers’ secondary.
As a sophomore in 2021, McGlothern became a more prominent member of the LSU defense, starting six of the 10 games he played. He finished that season with 32 tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown, a sign of his growing comfort in coverage and his willingness to contribute against the run. Following the 2021 season, he entered the transfer portal and chose the University of Arkansas as his next destination.
Arkansas Breakthrough (2022–2023)
McGlothern transferred to the University of Arkansas ahead of the 2022 season and quickly became a starter in the Razorbacks’ secondary. His first year in Fayetteville was his most productive as a college player, finishing the season with 52 tackles and four interceptions. That production earned him Second-team All-SEC honors in 2022, recognition that placed him among the top defensive backs in the conference.
The 2023 season represented his senior year at Arkansas, where he continued to operate as a starting cornerback and a leader in the Razorbacks’ secondary. His two seasons at Arkansas helped re-establish him as a high-upside NFL prospect following his transfer, and he entered the 2024 NFL draft process with strong athletic indicators and two years of starting experience in the SEC.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024–Present)
McGlothern signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2024, joining a roster that featured established veterans at the cornerback position. He was also selected by the Michigan Panthers in the second round of the 2024 UFL draft on July 17, an indication of the cross-league interest in his services. Despite his undrafted status, McGlothern was one of 53 players to make the Vikings’ initial Week 1 roster in 2024.
As a rookie, McGlothern appeared in five games for Minnesota, contributing on special teams and in the secondary. In the 2025 season, he appeared in eight games and continued to develop within the Vikings’ defensive scheme. On November 20, 2025, McGlothern was waived by the Vikings; he was re-signed to the practice squad two days later, and was promoted back to the active roster on December 20, 2025. His movement between the active roster and the practice squad reflected the narrow margins that often define young cornerbacks in the NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
McGlothern plays the cornerback position with a blend of length, athleticism, and competitive toughness. His 6-foot-2 frame gives him an advantage in jump-ball situations and red-zone coverage, while his background as a high school wide receiver sharpens his ball skills and route recognition. The combination of SEC starting experience and special teams reliability has shaped his profile as a developmental cover corner with starting upside.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of McGlothern’s career are his selection to the 2020 All-American Bowl, his Second-team All-SEC selection in 2022, and his decision to transfer from LSU to Arkansas in search of a larger role. Making the Vikings’ initial 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2024 stands as another significant milestone, as does his continued presence on the active roster through the 2025 season.
Dwight McGlothern Career Highlights
Dwight McGlothern’s career to this point is defined by a productive college resume and a hard-earned roster spot in the NFL. Across his high school, college, and professional career, he has built a résumé built on production in coverage, versatility on both sides of the ball, and a willingness to compete for a roster position at every level.
College Highlights
McGlothern’s most decorated season came in 2022 at Arkansas, when he posted 52 tackles and four interceptions en route to Second-team All-SEC honors. His first career interception returned for a touchdown came during his sophomore year at LSU in 2021, an early sign of his ball-hawking instincts. Across his three college seasons as a starter, he established himself as one of the more productive cornerbacks in the Southeastern Conference.
Dwight McGlothern Family
Personal Life
McGlothern was born and raised in the Houston, Texas, area and attended Klein Oak High School in nearby Klein, Texas. Public details about his broader family life, marital status, and children have not been confirmed in available sources. He has focused much of his public profile on his professional football career since signing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked McGlothern’s second year in the NFL and his first full season of expanded opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared in eight games during the season, contributing on defense and on special teams as a depth cornerback. His usage reflected the Vikings’ confidence in his development, even as he operated behind more established names on the cornerback depth chart.
On November 20, 2025, McGlothern was waived by the Vikings, a common roster move for young players during the middle of an NFL season. Two days later, he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad, which allowed him to remain within the organization and continue his development. He was promoted back to the active roster on December 20, 2025, returning to the 53-man roster for the closing stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, McGlothern’s path with the Vikings will depend on his ability to consolidate a role within the secondary and on special teams. His combination of length, SEC experience, and proven ball production makes him a developmental piece to watch as Minnesota evaluates its long-term cornerback depth. The 2025 season provided both setbacks and opportunities, a familiar pattern for young defensive backs navigating the margins of an NFL roster.