Karsen Barnhart

Overview

Karsen Barnhart was a versatile offensive lineman for Michigan from 2019 to 2023. A five-year letterman and in-state product from Paw Paw, he developed into a reliable multi-position starter who helped anchor some of the best offensive lines in recent program history.

Barnhart appeared in 43 career games with 31 starts and was part of three consecutive Big Ten championship teams and the 2023 national championship squad.

He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has since spent time with multiple NFL organizations.

Career Summary at Michigan

Barnhart’s value came from his ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line. He started games at left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and right guard during his career.

Year-by-Year Notes

2019 (Freshman)
Appeared in two games.

2020 (Sophomore)
Started four games at left tackle.

2021 (Junior)
Appeared in 10 games with starts at both tackle and guard.

2022 (Senior)
Started nine games, primarily at right tackle. Named Michigan’s Most Improved Player on Offense and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention. Part of the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line.

2023 (Graduate Student)
Started all 15 games (four at left tackle, eight at right tackle, three at right guard). Earned Second-Team All-Big Ten (coaches) and Third-Team All-Big Ten (media). Played a key role on the national championship offensive line, including shifting positions after Zak Zinter’s injury against Ohio State.

Awards & Honors

• Second-Team All-Big Ten (coaches, 2023)

• Third-Team All-Big Ten (media, 2023)

• Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2022)

• Most Improved Player on Offense (2022)

• Member of Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line (2021, 2022)

• Five-time letterman (2019–2023)

• Three-time Big Ten Champion

• National Champion (2023)

Background

• Hometown: Paw Paw, Michigan

• High School: Paw Paw High School

• Recruiting: Four-star prospect (247Sports); ranked among the top guards in the 2019 class and a top player in the state of Michigan

• Multi-sport athlete in high school (football, basketball, baseball)

Barnhart arrived at Michigan as a highly regarded in-state lineman and steadily developed into a dependable, versatile starter over five seasons.

Legacy at Michigan

Barnhart exemplified the program’s emphasis on toughness, versatility, and development along the offensive line. He was never the flashiest name but consistently answered the call when needed at multiple positions. His ability to start on both the left and right sides, as well as at guard, made him a valuable piece during Michigan’s most successful stretch in decades.

He left Ann Arbor as a three-time Big Ten champion and national champion with a reputation as a reliable, high-character lineman.

Quick Facts

• Height/Weight: 6-4 / 6-5, 306–316 lbs

• Position: Offensive Line (Tackle/Guard)

• Jersey: No. 52

• NFL: Undrafted free agent (2024); currently with the Green Bay Packers organization