Karsen Barnhart Bio
Karsen Barnhart (born March 2, 2001) is an American professional football guard. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, where he was an All-Big Ten selection, winning three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023. Barnhart was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Karsen Barnhart was born in Paw Paw, Michigan, to parents Jeff and Jennifer Barnhart. He attended Paw Paw High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. During his junior season, he played tight end after spending his first two years on the offensive line. Barnhart caught 17 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns during his junior and senior years while also serving as an offensive lineman. His performance earned him All-State honors from the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, and The Detroit News. He was recognized as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 15 guard and No. 7 player in Michigan by 247Sports, receiving offers from several top programs including Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and USC.
Path to American Football
Karsen Barnhart committed to the University of Michigan in April 2018. He made his collegiate debut on August 31, 2019, in a game against Middle Tennessee, appearing in two games at left tackle and playing special teams in one game during his freshman year. As a sophomore in 2020, he participated in all six games, starting four at left tackle in a season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Barnhart appeared in 10 games, including two starts at left guard, contributing to the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. His senior year in 2022 saw him start ten games with nine at tackle, where he was again part of the award-winning offensive line and was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention. In 2023, as a graduate student, he started all 15 games for Michigan’s national championship team, demonstrating versatility by playing at right tackle, right guard, and left tackle.
Karsen Barnhart Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Karsen Barnhart’s notable collegiate career culminated in his performance during the 2023 season, where he was part of the Michigan Wolverines team that won the national championship. His contributions on the offensive line were recognized as he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches. Following his successful college career, Barnhart declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on January 6, 2024.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Barnhart signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2024, reuniting with former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. He faced challenges during his early professional career, being waived on August 27, 2024, and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 13, 2025. However, he was released as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Barnhart’s journey continued as he was signed to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad on October 14, 2025, but was waived shortly after. He then signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad on November 5, 2025, only to be released later that month.
Notable Works and Milestones
Karsen Barnhart’s signature achievements include being part of the Michigan Wolverines’ national championship-winning team in 2023 and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in the same year.
Karsen Barnhart Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Karsen Barnhart has received notable recognition, including being named second-team All-Big Ten in 2023.
Karsen Barnhart Awards Won
Karsen Barnhart has achieved significant milestones in his career, including being part of the Michigan Wolverines team that won the national championship in 2023.
Karsen Barnhart Family
Karsen Barnhart is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Barnhart. He has not publicly disclosed additional family details.
Personal Life
Karsen Barnhart has not publicly shared information regarding his personal life, including marital status or children.