The Purple People Eaters are out. Young Nasty University is in.
Via Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings’ defensive tackles have adopted that name — “YNU” for short.
The founders are Domonique Orange, Ty Ingram-Dawkins, and Caleb Banks. Ingram-Dawkins, a fifth-round pick in 2025, and Banks, a 2026 first-rounder, are 23. Orange, a third-round selection in 2026, is 22.
“That group is a huge part of our success thus far,” Vikings edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel said, per Lewis. “Last year, after not stopping the run early, we put a huge emphasis on it. We’ve got young guys who are coachable, hard workers, and they do everything right.”
The Minnesota defense has held the Packers and Bears to 3.8 yards per carry. And, as Lewis notes, the Vikings have devoted only $8.43 million to their defensive line — that’s the second-lowest amount for any NFL franchise.
Against the pass, the Vikings are thriving on chaos, with a risk-reward blitz-happy scheme that, to date, has had plenty of rewards.
The players will get their rewards in time. Starting with breakout star pass rusher Dallas Turner, who’s eligible for a second contract after what could be an All-Pro season.
