Kaitori “KT” Leveston Jr. Bio
Kaitori “KT” Leveston Jr. is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 28, 1999, in Waco, Texas, he played college football at Kansas State University before entering the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick in 2024. After beginning his professional career with the Los Angeles Rams, Leveston was traded to the Cleveland Browns in August 2025 and became the team’s starting right tackle during the 2025 season. He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 335 pounds.
Early Life and Background
Leveston grew up in Waco, Texas, where he attended Midway High School and excelled in both football and basketball. He helped the Midway basketball team capture a district championship during his high school career. On the football field, he played both offensive tackle and defensive end, demonstrating the versatility that would define his playing style.
As a junior, Leveston earned second-team all-district honors at tackle. His senior season proved to be his breakthrough, as he earned first-team all-state and all-district recognition while leading Midway to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the Texas Class 6A D2 state championship game.
Path to Professional Football
Leveston entered college as a three-star recruit, ranking as the 96th-best offensive tackle nationally and the 148th-best player overall in the state of Texas. He committed to continue his football career at Kansas State University, where he would develop into a durable and respected offensive lineman over the next six seasons.
His collegiate career at Kansas State spanned from 2018 to 2023. Though he redshirted as a true freshman, he steadily worked his way into the rotation. By his junior season, he had earned a starting role and became a reliable anchor on the Wildcats’ offensive line.
Kaitori “KT” Leveston Jr. Career
College Career (2018–2023)
Leveston redshirted during his first year at Kansas State in 2018. He appeared in four games as a backup in the 2019 season before seeing increased action in 2020, playing 10 games with five starts. After serving as a backup once more in 2021, he won the starting left tackle job in 2022 and started 14 games, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference honors.
Although he graduated in 2022, Leveston returned for a final season in 2023 after the NCAA granted all players an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his senior season, he started 13 games and again earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors while also being named to the Waco Tribune-Herald’s Super Centex All-College Team. Over his Kansas State career, Leveston started 32 of the 50 games he played in. He was invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl and attended the NFL Scouting Combine to showcase his abilities to professional scouts.
Los Angeles Rams (2024)
Leveston was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round with the 254th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection held special meaning for him, as the number 254 corresponds to the Waco area code. He was the final pick of the 2024 draft class. After being drafted, Leveston was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024, which ended his rookie season before it truly began.
Cleveland Browns Era (2025–Present)
On August 26, 2025, Leveston was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. The trade provided him with a fresh opportunity after his injury-plagued rookie year with the Rams. Upon joining the Browns, he worked to earn playing time on an offensive line that featured veteran Jack Conklin at right tackle.
His opportunity arrived when Conklin was placed on injured reserve on December 20, 2025. Leveston stepped into the starting right tackle role for the remainder of the season, demonstrating the readiness and preparation that coaches had seen from him in practice. His performance in that stretch earned him recognition as a potential long-term piece for the Browns’ offensive line.
Playing Style and Strengths
Leveston brings size, length, and positional versatility to the offensive tackle position. His experience at Kansas State, where he logged significant starting experience against Big 12 Conference competition, prepared him for the physical demands of the NFL. His background playing both offensive tackle and defensive end in high school reflects the kind of athleticism teams seek in blind-side protectors. As a young player still developing his craft, he benefits from the mentorship of veteran offensive linemen and coordinators within the Browns’ system.
Notable Events and Milestones
Leveston’s most significant career milestone came when he was named the Cleveland Browns’ starting right tackle following Jack Conklin’s injury in December 2025. That promotion marked his first extended stretch as a starter at the professional level. Earlier in his career, his selection as the 254th overall pick in the 2024 draft provided a meaningful personal connection to his Texas roots. His participation in the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine during the pre-draft process also established him as a legitimate NFL prospect coming out of Kansas State.
Kaitori “KT” Leveston Jr. Career Statistics
Leveston has appeared in 16 NFL games with 7 starts through the 2025 season. His professional career began with limited action due to injury in 2024 before he assumed a starting role with the Cleveland Browns midway through the 2025 campaign.
Professional Career Highlights
Through his first two NFL seasons, Leveston has established himself as a serviceable offensive tackle with the physical tools to compete at the professional level. His transition from Kansas State to the NFL required adjustment to faster competition, but his college experience against quality Big 12 pass rushers provided a foundation. The 2025 season represented his breakthrough, as he took over starting duties and showed he could hold up against NFL edge rushers.
College Career Summary
At Kansas State, Leveston developed into a reliable starting tackle over five seasons of game action. His 32 career starts and honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition reflected consistent performance at the Power Five level. The East-West Shrine Bowl and NFL Combine invitations validated his status as a draftable prospect with NFL-level measurables and skills.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (2024–2025) | 16 | 7 |
| College (Kansas State, 2018–2023) | 50 | 32 |
Kaitori “KT” Leveston Jr. Family
Personal Life
Leveston was born and raised in Waco, Texas, where he attended Midway High School. He has maintained connections to his hometown and drew inspiration from his Texas roots throughout his football journey. The significance he placed on being drafted 254th overall, a number tied to Waco’s area code, reflects his pride in his origins. Beyond football, he has been involved in community activities and youth mentorship initiatives during his college and professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a turning point in Leveston’s professional career. After a quiet rookie year with the Los Angeles Rams, he arrived in Cleveland with something to prove. The Browns’ coaching staff gave him time to learn their system and adjust to their blocking schemes. When called upon mid-season, he responded with solid play at right tackle, helping protect the quarterback and establish the running game during crucial stretches.
His promotion to starter came at a challenging point in the Browns’ schedule, but Leveston met the moment by performing steadily against quality defensive lines. The experience of starting in the NFL accelerated his development and gave the Browns’ staff confidence in his long-term potential. Looking ahead, Leveston appears positioned to compete for the starting right tackle job heading into the 2026 season and beyond, with the backing of a coaching staff that saw his promise during the 2025 campaign.