Carson Schwesinger is an American football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, known for his rise from unranked college walk-on at UCLA to All- American and early-round draft pick.

Quick Scoop on Carson Schwesinger

Who he is

  • Full name: Carson James Schwesinger.
  • Born: February 24, 2003, in Moorpark, California.
  • Position: Linebacker.
  • Current team: Cleveland Browns (NFL).
  • College: UCLA Bruins, where he became a standout defender and team captain.

From walk-on to All-American

  • Schwesinger joined UCLA as an unranked walk-on , earning his roster spot through practice rather than scholarship status.
  • After strong training performances, he received a scholarship before the 2022 season.
  • In 2024 at UCLA, he exploded statistically: 136 total tackles, 4 sacks, tackles for loss in the high single-digits, and 2 interceptions, drawing national attention.
  • His 2024 season honors included:
    • Associated Press First Team All-American.
* Additional All-American team nods and All–Big Ten First Team.

* Finalist for the Butkus Award (top linebacker) and semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy (best former walk-on).

“From 0‑star walk-on to Butkus Award semifinalist” has become the shorthand story for his college rise, highlighted in features and podcasts.

NFL draft and rookie impact

  • Pre‑draft, Schwesinger tested as a plus athlete at around 6'2½" and 242 pounds, with a ~39.5 inch vertical and solid strength numbers, helping cement his draft stock.
  • He was selected 33rd overall (early second round) in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
  • He started immediately as a rookie, debuting in Week 1 of the 2025 season and logging eight tackles in a one‑point loss to the Bengals.
  • Over his rookie year he:
    • Started 16 games.
    • Led the Browns with 156 tackles, sixth in the league.
* Added 2.5 sacks, multiple passes defensed, and 2 interceptions, including one against New England’s Drake Maye in Week 8.

Recent status and storyline (early 2026)

  • On January 3, 2026, Schwesinger was placed on season‑ending injured reserve with a quad injury, pausing an impressive debut campaign.
  • His narrative right now (early 2026) is:
    • Blue‑collar, high‑motor linebacker in a similarly blue‑collar Cleveland market.
    • Fan‑friendly story: walk‑on to star, bioengineering major, early NFL impact followed by a rehab challenge.
  • Interviews and film breakdowns emphasize:
    • Versatility as a “three‑down” linebacker who can play the run, blitz, and drop in coverage.
* High football IQ and work ethic, often linked to his demanding bioengineering studies at UCLA.

Why he’s a trending topic

  • Big 2024 college breakout (All‑American, major awards lists) put his name on draft boards and into national discussion.
  • Early success with the Browns made him a favorite among analysts and fans looking for emerging defensive stars.
  • His setback—quad injury and move to injured reserve at the end of his rookie year—adds a new chapter: how he responds and returns in the 2026 season will be closely watched.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.