Carson Schwesinger UCLA LB: Rising Defensive Star Making Waves in 2025 Season
Carson Schwesinger has quietly developed into one of the top linebacker prospects in college football. The UCLA standout has appeared in 38 games for the Bruins, making 10 starts across four seasons while accumulating impressive numbers: 163 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks. His combination of athleticism and productivity has elevated him to the #4 ranked linebacker prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft with an 85.2 rating, positioning him as a potential early-round selection.
At 6’2″ and 225 pounds, Schwesinger brings exceptional athleticism to the position. He covers ground quickly both vertically and horizontally, making him effective in coverage and pursuit situations. NFL scouts have taken notice of his ability to make plays sideline to sideline, with many projecting him as a developmental WILL linebacker who could immediately contribute on special teams at the professional level.
What separates Schwesinger from other linebacker prospects is his rare athletic profile combined with steadily improving production. While he didn’t enter UCLA as a highly-touted recruit, his performance has forced NFL teams to pay attention. His tackling efficiency and ability to diagnose plays have improved each season, suggesting his ceiling remains higher than what we’ve seen thus far in his collegiate career.
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Early Years and Background
Carson Schwesinger’s journey to becoming a standout linebacker for the UCLA Bruins began in Southern California, where his athletic foundation was built through hard work and determination. His development from an unranked high school athlete to a key defensive player shows his remarkable growth and perseverance.
Hometown and High School Career
Carson Schwesinger hails from the Southern California region and attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village. While specific details about his hometown of Moorpark, CA remain limited in available records, his impact at Oaks Christian helped establish his foundation as a defensive player.
During his high school years, Schwesinger developed the athletic fundamentals that would later define his collegiate career. What makes his story particularly compelling is that he came into the college football scene as an unranked recruit, lacking the fanfare that typically accompanies top-tier prospects.
His high school performance demonstrated natural instincts and athletic ability that would later translate well to the collegiate level, despite flying under the radar of major recruiting services.
Recruitment and Commitment to UCLA
Schwesinger’s recruitment story differs from many Division I athletes. As an unranked prospect, he didn’t receive the national attention that four and five-star recruits typically enjoy. Nevertheless, UCLA saw potential in the young linebacker and extended an opportunity.
His commitment to UCLA represented a perfect match between a player hungry to prove himself and a program that valued development. Schwesinger’s decision to join the Bruins in Westwood would prove beneficial for both parties.
Since joining UCLA, he has developed into a versatile defensive player with impressive statistical output. Through four seasons, Schwesinger has accumulated 163 tackles (109 solo, 54 assisted), 11.0 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks across 38 games with 10 starts.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his development, with his impressive athleticism becoming a significant talking point for the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’2″ and 225 pounds, he brings good size combined with excellent mobility.
College Career at UCLA
Carson Schwesinger developed into one of UCLA’s most reliable defensive players during his four-year tenure with the Bruins. His journey from walk-on to team captain showcases his exceptional work ethic and steady improvement as a linebacker.
Freshman Season Overview
Schwesinger arrived at UCLA with minimal fanfare but quickly established himself as a special teams contributor. He appeared in 9 games during his freshman campaign, primarily on kickoff and punt coverage units. Though his defensive snaps were limited, he managed to record 11 tackles (8 solo) while displaying promising instincts.
The coaching staff took notice of his practice habits and football IQ. Despite his walk-on status, Schwesinger earned playing time over several scholarship players in specific packages.
His most notable freshman moment came against Stanford, where he registered 3 tackles and recovered a fumbled punt return that led to a crucial UCLA scoring drive.
Sophomore Breakthrough
Year two marked Schwesinger’s emergence as a legitimate defensive contributor. He played in all 12 games, including 3 starts when injuries hit the linebacker corps. His production jumped significantly with 42 total tackles (28 solo, 14 assisted) and his first career sack.
Against Oregon, Schwesinger had his breakout performance with 9 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His ability to diagnose plays and take proper angles stood out on film.
“He’s not the most physically imposing guy, but he’s always in the right spot,” noted defensive coordinator at the time. “His football intelligence is off the charts.”
By season’s end, Schwesinger had earned a scholarship and positioned himself for an expanded role in UCLA’s defensive scheme.
Junior Year Development
Schwesinger’s junior campaign represented another significant step forward. Starting 7 games, he accumulated 54 tackles (37 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks while developing into a three-down linebacker.
His coverage skills improved dramatically, evidenced by 3 pass breakups and his first career interception against USC in the rivalry game.
The bioengineering major demonstrated exceptional football intelligence, often serving as the defensive signal-caller when on the field.
| Junior Year Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Games/Starts | 12/7 |
| Total Tackles | 54 |
| Tackles for Loss | 3.5 |
| Sacks | 2.0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Pass Breakups | 3 |
Defensive coaches praised his film study habits and ability to recognize offensive tendencies pre-snap.
Senior Season Highlights
Schwesinger’s senior year cemented his legacy at UCLA. Named a team captain, he started all games and posted career-best numbers: 13 tackles in a single game, 56 total tackles on the season, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks through ten weeks.
His leadership proved invaluable during UCLA’s transition to the Big Ten conference. Coaches relied on him to help younger players adjust to scheme changes.
Against Michigan, he delivered a standout performance with 11 tackles and a critical fourth-quarter sack that helped seal a signature win.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his football intelligence, tackling technique, and coverage abilities. While not projected as an early-round selection, his versatility and special teams experience have him ranked as a potential late-round pick or priority free agent.
His academic success as an eight-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll recipient further demonstrates the character and work ethic that will appeal to NFL franchises.
Statistical Achievements
Carson Schwesinger has transformed from a walk-on to one of the Big Ten’s most dominant linebackers, with an impressive statistical profile that showcases his all-around defensive abilities. His numbers tell the story of a player who impacts games in multiple ways, from tackles to turnovers.
Tackles and Impact Plays
Schwesinger has established himself as a tackling machine for the Bruins, leading the Big Ten in multiple statistical categories. Through the 2024 regular season, he recorded an impressive 136 total tackles, averaging 11.3 tackles per game – both tops in the conference.
His career numbers at UCLA are equally remarkable, with 163 total tackles (109 solo, 54 assisted) across his four seasons. The bioengineering major has also logged 11.0 tackles for loss, demonstrating his ability to penetrate the backfield.
In a standout performance during Week 10 of the 2024 season, Schwesinger notched 13 tackles in a single game, showing his ability to take over defensively against top competition.
| Season | Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | TFL | Tackles/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 136 | 87 | 49 | 8.5 | 11.3 |
| Career | 163 | 109 | 54 | 11.0 | 4.3 |
Sacks and Sack Yards
Schwesinger has proven himself as an effective pass rusher from the linebacker position. Over his UCLA career, he has accumulated 5.0 sacks, with several coming at crucial moments in tight games.
During the 2024 season alone, he significantly improved his pass-rushing productivity, recording 3.5 sacks for approximately 25 yards. His ability to time blitzes and finish plays in the backfield has become a valuable asset for the Bruins’ defense.
In that notable Week 10 performance, Schwesinger added a sack to his 13 tackles, demonstrating his complete skill set. NFL scouts have taken notice of his pass-rushing instincts, with many projecting him as a mid-round selection who can contribute on all three downs.
His closing speed and understanding of blocking schemes have allowed him to consistently pressure quarterbacks despite not being utilized primarily as a pass rusher in UCLA’s defensive scheme.
Forced Fumbles and Recoveries
Schwesinger’s impact extends beyond just tackling ball carriers – he excels at creating turnovers. Throughout his UCLA career, he has forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2 more, consistently changing momentum in critical game situations.
His technique when tackling involves deliberately targeting the ball, a skill he’s refined over his four seasons with the Bruins. This approach has paid dividends in several key conference matchups during the 2024 campaign.
In UCLA’s upset victory over a top-15 opponent midway through the 2024 season, Schwesinger forced a crucial fumble in the red zone that preserved the Bruins’ lead. This ability to create turnovers in high-leverage situations has significantly elevated his NFL draft stock.
Scouts particularly value his combination of ball awareness and consistent tackling technique – a rare pairing that suggests he could develop into an even more prolific turnover creator at the professional level.
Interceptions and Defensive Scores
Despite playing primarily as an inside linebacker, Schwesinger has shown impressive coverage skills. He has recorded 2 interceptions during his UCLA career, including a critical pick against a conference rival that he returned for 35 yards.
His ability to drop into coverage and read quarterbacks’ eyes has made him a complete three-down linebacker. In addition to his interceptions, Schwesinger has broken up multiple passes throughout the 2024 season, including two in that standout Week 10 performance.
While he hasn’t recorded a defensive touchdown yet, his knack for being around the ball and creating turnovers has given him several near-scoring opportunities. His football IQ, developed while balancing his bioengineering studies, allows him to diagnose plays quickly.
NFL teams have taken notice of his coverage abilities, with several defensive coordinators noting that linebackers who can stay on the field for passing downs are increasingly valuable in today’s pass-heavy professional game.
Professional Prospects
Carson Schwesinger’s stock has risen dramatically following his breakout senior season at UCLA. His combination of athleticism, tackling ability, and football IQ has positioned him as one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
NFL Draft Projection
Schwesinger is currently projected as a mid-round selection, with most analysts placing him in the 3rd to 4th round range. His huge breakout campaign last season, where he racked up an impressive 136 tackles, has significantly improved his draft stock.
Several teams with linebacker needs have shown interest, including the New York Giants. Their linebacker coach met with Schwesinger privately following his pro day.
Draft analysts have him ranked as the #4 linebacker prospect in this class with an 85.2 rating, making him one of the top 100 overall prospects.
| Metric | Ranking | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | Top 100 | 3rd-4th Round |
| Position Ranking | #4 LB | WILL Linebacker |
| Career Tackles | 163 | Core Special Teams |
| Senior Season | 136 tackles | Immediate Contributor |
Senior Bowl Performance
Schwesinger made the most of his Senior Bowl invitation, showcasing his sideline-to-sideline speed and coverage abilities that weren’t always highlighted in UCLA’s defensive scheme.
During practice sessions, he consistently stood out in coverage drills against running backs and tight ends, demonstrating fluid hips and excellent change-of-direction ability.
His football intelligence was on display during team periods, quickly diagnosing plays and communicating adjustments to teammates. This leadership quality, combined with his physical skills, left a strong impression on NFL scouts.
In the actual game, Schwesinger recorded five tackles, including one for loss, and had a key pass breakup on a third-down play that forced a punt.
Scouting Combine and Workouts
Schwesinger faced a setback when a hamstring injury suffered during pre-draft training forced him to hold his own separate pro day apart from his UCLA teammates.
Despite this challenge, his workout numbers impressed scouts. His projected 40-yard dash time of 4.70 seconds is solid for the linebacker position and confirms what shows on film – he’s an athlete with springy legs who moves well both vertically and laterally.
Teams view Schwesinger as a developmental WILL linebacker with immediate core special teams value. His three-cone drill and short shuttle times both ranked in the top tier among linebackers, confirming his change-of-direction skills.
His pro day performance, particularly in position drills, demonstrated his ability to drop into coverage and play in space – critical skills for modern NFL linebackers.
Role and Contributions on the Team
Carson Schwesinger has transformed from a walk-on to one of UCLA’s most valuable defensive assets. His contributions extend beyond impressive tackle numbers to leadership qualities and strategic play that have made him indispensable to the Bruins’ defense.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Schwesinger exemplifies what coaches mean when they talk about “program guys.” Despite beginning as an unranked walk-on in 2021, he’s developed into a team leader through relentless work ethic and football IQ.
His academic excellence matches his on-field performance, having been named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and earning second-team All-Academic honors. This dual achievement reflects the discipline he brings to the linebacker room.
Teammates frequently cite Schwesinger’s communication skills as crucial to defensive organization. He’s become the defensive signal-caller, making pre-snap adjustments and ensuring proper alignment across formations.
Schwesinger’s Leadership Stats:
| Category | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Games as Defensive Captain | 11 |
| Team Awards | 2023 Most Improved Player |
| Career Games Played | 36 |
Game Strategy and Positional Play
Schwesinger has evolved into a true three-down linebacker with exceptional versatility. His coverage skills in underneath zones have become a particular strength, allowing UCLA to maintain defensive flexibility without substituting personnel.
The 2023 season marked his breakthrough as he totaled 136 tackles while dominating Big Ten competition. His production earned him first-team All-American honors despite his humble beginnings.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his diagnostic abilities. While not the most physically imposing linebacker, Schwesinger consistently puts himself in optimal positions through film study and instinctual play.
His draft stock has risen steadily, with most analysts now projecting him as a Day 2 selection. Teams value his high-effort play on both defense and special teams, suggesting he could contribute immediately at the next level.
Personal Development
Carson Schwesinger’s journey from walk-on to NFL prospect reflects his commitment to personal growth both on and off the field. His development has been marked by rigorous training regimens and influential coaching relationships that helped transform him into an All-American linebacker.
Strength and Conditioning Regimes
Schwesinger’s physical transformation has been remarkable during his UCLA career. He’s added nearly 20 pounds of muscle since joining the program as a walk-on in 2021, now carrying his frame with exceptional agility and power.
His conditioning program emphasizes explosive movements that translate directly to his sideline-to-sideline pursuit ability. This has enabled him to rack up an impressive 163 tackles across four seasons, including 109 solo stops.
Speed training has been another cornerstone of his development. Schwesinger’s 40-yard dash times have steadily improved, making him particularly effective in pass coverage situations.
Unfortunately, his pre-draft training was interrupted by a hamstring injury that forced him to hold a separate pro day from his UCLA teammates. Despite this setback, scouts remain impressed with his athletic profile.
Mentorship and Coaching Influence
Schwesinger’s development has been significantly shaped by UCLA’s defensive coaching staff. Their guidance helped transform him from an unheralded recruit into a legitimate NFL prospect currently projected as a mid-round selection.
Fellow linebacker Kain Medrano has been cited by Schwesinger as a crucial mentor. The pair’s partnership strengthened UCLA’s linebacker corps, with Medrano helping Schwesinger understand complex defensive concepts.
During the draft process, Schwesinger has impressed teams in interviews, demonstrating the football IQ developed through extensive film study with his position coaches.
His bioengineering background has surprisingly aided his football development as well. The academic discipline has enhanced his analytical approach to breaking down offensive schemes and anticipating running plays.
NFL scouts have taken notice of this well-rounded development, with several teams, including the New York Giants, conducting private meetings with Schwesinger ahead of the draft.
Community Involvement
Beyond his impressive on-field contributions and academic achievements as a bioengineering major, Carson Schwesinger has established himself as a dedicated community servant during his time at UCLA. His efforts extend from local initiatives in Westwood to his hometown of Moorpark, CA, creating meaningful impact through consistent outreach.
Charitable Causes and Outreach
Schwesinger has been a fixture at UCLA’s annual hospital visits, where he spends time with young patients at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. The linebacker organizes book drives twice yearly, collecting over 3,000 books for underprivileged schools across Los Angeles County since 2022.
In Moorpark, CA, Schwesinger returns each summer to run a free youth football clinic for elementary students, emphasizing both athletic skills and academic excellence. The clinic has grown from 25 participants in 2022 to 120 in 2024.
“The most valuable thing we have is our time,” Schwesinger told reporters last fall. “Using mine to help others just makes sense.”
His involvement with the Team IMPACT program paired him with 11-year-old cancer survivor Miguel Rodriguez, who became an honorary Bruin team member during the 2023-2024 season.
| Schwesinger’s Community Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Hospital Visits | UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital |
| Book Drives | 3,000+ books collected since 2022 |
| Youth Football Clinic | 120 participants in 2024 |
| Team IMPACT | Mentorship of pediatric cancer patients |
Impact on Local Communities
Schwesinger’s community work has earned recognition beyond campus. He received the 2024 Big Ten Conference Community Service Award.
His “First Down for First Generation” initiative raised over $15,000 for scholarships supporting first-generation college students at UCLA.
Working alongside teammates, he contributed over 200 service hours to the Westwood Village homeless outreach program. They provided meals and essential supplies to those in need. This leadership role has inspired 16 other UCLA players to join the program.
In Moorpark, Schwesinger established a mentorship program connecting high school athletes with local business leaders. The program has helped 28 students secure internships since its inception in 2023.
His community involvement has impressed NFL scouts. One AFC talent evaluator noted: “We look for character guys who understand their platform. Schwesinger has demonstrated exceptional community leadership that translates to locker room culture.”
