Quinn Carroll is taking his next step in pro football - and he’s heading north to do it.
The former Minnesota Gophers offensive lineman has signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, giving him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills at the professional level after going unsigned by NFL teams in 2025.
Carroll, a Minnesota native from Edina, carved out a solid collegiate career after transferring from Notre Dame to play for P.J. Fleck’s Gophers.
Over three seasons, he became a mainstay on the offensive line, starting 38 games and earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors each year. That kind of consistency and versatility - he can line up at both tackle spots and slide inside to guard - makes him an intriguing piece for Hamilton as they build out their front five.
At 6’6” and 315 pounds, Carroll brings prototypical size to the CFL trenches. While the Canadian game has its own quirks - a wider field, three downs, and more motion - the fundamentals of strong offensive line play remain the same. Carroll’s experience anchoring the Gophers’ line in the rugged Big Ten should serve him well as he adjusts to the pace and style of the CFL.
Minnesota has quietly developed a track record under Fleck of sending players to the next level, whether through the NFL Draft or undrafted free agency. Last year’s Pro Day featured several prospects who drew attention from scouts, and while Carroll didn’t land an NFL deal, his opportunity with the Tiger-Cats is a testament to the depth of talent coming out of the program.
The Tiger-Cats open their 2026 regular season on June 4 against Montreal, kicking off a 10-game slate that runs through late October. With training camp on the horizon, Carroll will have a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation - and potentially make an immediate impact on Hamilton’s offensive line.
For a player who’s battled through the grind of Big Ten football and stayed ready for his shot, this is more than just a contract. It’s a new chapter - and a well-earned one at that.