INDIANAPOLIS – Standing at the interview podium during the NFL Scouting Combine, former Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan marveled at his circumstances. “It”s pretty surreal,” Tiernan expressed on Saturday. “These moments are what you dream of as a kid.” Ranked as the eighth-best offensive tackle in the upcoming draft by The Athletic“s Dane Brugler, Tiernan was among three former Wildcats participating in the combine, joining former defensive lineman Aidan Hubbard and fellow offensive lineman Evan Beerntsen.
Throughout his life, Tiernan”s enthusiasm for football has been unwavering, largely inspired by his father and older brother. He began his football journey in first grade with flag football, while his brother, three years older, played offensive tackle. The following year, Tiernan transitioned to the tackle position, and now, over a decade later, he stands on the brink of achieving his dream of becoming an NFL tackle, a goal he and his siblings often discussed.
As a team captain for the 2025 season, Tiernan expressed his hopes of positively influencing his teammates. “I hope I was a great mentor to young guys and an example of what it means to be a true professional,” he stated. “The way I recovered, and how I carried myself within the facility, I hope those young guys can remember that and carry on.” One aspect of his leadership was his decision to play in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, a choice that diverged from the national trend of draft prospects opting out of bowl games. The fact that the game was held just over 20 minutes from his hometown made it even more special. “I would have played anywhere,” Tiernan remarked. “I made a commitment to those guys. They elected me as captain. I felt like that was my team, and I”m not going to let my team go out on the field if I”m not on it.”
Tiernan”s dedication to the team was evident throughout his five years with Northwestern. As transfers become increasingly common—over 60% of the top 600 players from his high school recruiting class have transferred at least once, according to The Athletic—he hopes that NFL teams recognize his loyalty as a valuable trait. “I just hope that it shows that I”m loyal,” Tiernan said. “Growing up, when you make a commitment, you stick to it.” This lesson was instilled in him by his father, who often coached him and his siblings in youth sports.
Beerntsen, who was Tiernan”s roommate at the combine, also brought significant commitment to Northwestern during his one-season tenure as a graduate transfer from South Dakota State. The native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, spent four seasons with the Jackrabbits before moving to Evanston, where he earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Despite his brief time at Northwestern, Beerntsen attributes much of his personal and athletic development to coach David Braun and former offensive line coach Bill O”Boyle. “They made me into the player I was,” Beerntsen said.
His fondest memories from his time with Northwestern include the camaraderie within the team and the experience of playing at Wrigley Field, which he described as “special.” As he considers a future in the NFL, Beerntsen aims to leave a legacy characterized by his dedication and passion for the sport. “I just want to be known as a great person, a great teammate, someone who cared a lot and brought physicality when it was needed,” he concluded.
