Karsen Barnhart Bio
Karsen Barnhart (born March 2, 2001) is an American professional football guard for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). 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 after a five-year career at the University of Michigan.
Early Life and Background
Karsen Barnhart was born in Paw Paw, Michigan, to Jeff and Jennifer Barnhart. He grew up in his hometown and attended Paw Paw High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football. His versatility as an athlete helped him develop the coordination and physical skills that would later benefit his football career.
In high school, Barnhart spent his first two seasons at offensive tackle before moving to tight end for his junior year. He caught 17 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons while also playing offensive tackle. His performance earned him All-State honors from the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association, the Associated Press, and The Detroit News.
Path to American Football
Barnhart was ranked as a four-star recruit by recruiting services and was rated as the No. 15 guard and No. 7 player in Michigan by 247Sports. His play on both sides of the line attracted attention from major college programs. He received scholarship offers from several Power Five schools, including Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and USC.
Barnhart ultimately committed to the University of Michigan in April 2018, choosing to stay in his home state and play for the storied Wolverines program. His decision to attend Michigan set the foundation for his collegiate success and eventual professional career.
Karsen Barnhart Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Barnhart made his collegiate debut on August 31, 2019, in Michigan’s season opener against Middle Tennessee. As a freshman in 2019, he appeared in two games at left tackle and contributed on special teams in one game, gaining early experience at the major college level.
His sophomore season in 2020 was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Barnhart still appeared in all six games with four starts at left tackle. He stepped in for injured starter Ryan Hayes, demonstrating his ability to fill in at a critical position. In 2021, Barnhart appeared in 10 games with two starts at left guard and was part of an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the nation’s top offensive line unit.
In 2022, Barnhart appeared in 10 games with nine starts at offensive tackle, once again helping the Wolverines win the Joe Moore Award. Following the season, he was named All-Big Ten honorable mention and earned Michigan’s most improved player on offense award, showing consistent development in his game.
As a graduate student in 2023, Barnhart started all 15 games for Michigan’s national championship team. He versatility allowed him to make starts at right tackle, right guard, and left tackle throughout the season. When guard Zak Zinter sustained a broken tibia and fibula in Michigan’s final regular-season victory against Ohio State, Barnhart shifted from right tackle to guard for the remainder of the season. Following the championship run, he was named second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches. He declared for the 2024 NFL draft in January 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–2025)
On April 27, 2024, Barnhart signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent, reuniting him with former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who had led the Wolverines to their 2023 national championship. He was waived during final roster cuts in August 2024 and re-signed to the practice squad. Barnhart signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers in January 2025. He was released again during the 2025 preseason before re-joining the practice squad, and was later waived in August 2025.
Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2025)
Barnhart joined the Denver Broncos practice squad in October 2025 but was waived less than a week later. He then signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in November 2025 before being released in the same month. These brief stints reflected the competitive nature of NFL roster building and the challenges faced by undrafted players trying to establish themselves in the league.
Green Bay Packers (2025–Present)
On December 31, 2025, Barnhart was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad, giving him an opportunity with one of the NFL’s historic franchises. He signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 12, 2026, securing his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Barnhart’s collegiate career featured several major accomplishments. He was part of Michigan’s national championship team in 2023, earning CFP national champion honors. He was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2023 and was part of two Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines in 2021 and 2022, recognizing the nation’s top offensive line units. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line made him a valuable asset throughout his college career.
Karsen Barnhart Family
Family Background
Karsen Barnhart grew up in Paw Paw, Michigan, with his parents Jeff Barnhart and Jennifer Barnhart. His family’s support and his Midwestern roots helped shape his work ethic and character throughout his journey from high school standout to professional athlete.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Barnhart was a multi-sport athlete in high school, competing in baseball, basketball, and football. His diverse athletic background contributed to his development as an offensive lineman. He remains active on social media under the handle @k_ballin__ on both X and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season saw Barnhart continue his journey as a professional athlete, moving between three organizations. He spent time on the practice squads of the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before finding an opportunity with the Green Bay Packers in late December 2025. His ability to bounce back and continue pursuing his NFL dreams demonstrated resilience and determination.
Signing with the Packers on December 31 gave Barnhart a fresh start with a historic franchise. His subsequent reserve/future contract in January 2026 solidified his position on Green Bay’s roster for the upcoming season. The experience gained from moving between organizations helped him develop versatility and adaptability that could benefit his future contributions to the team.
Looking ahead, Barnhart enters the 2026 season with the Green Bay Packers, where he will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. His experience playing multiple positions along the offensive line and his championship pedigree from Michigan provide him with a strong foundation as he works to establish himself in the NFL.