When the UCLA Bruins needed a hero to close out their season, linebacker Carson Schwesinger delivered in emphatic fashion.
The senior’s dominant all-around performance led the Bruins to a 20-13 victory over Fresno State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, showcasing why his name belongs in the conversation for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
Carson Schwesinger With Another Butkus-Worthy Performance
Schwesinger tallied 15 tackles, blocked a punt, notched a sack, and broke up a pass, setting the tone for UCLA’s defensive effort. It marked his ninth game with double-digit tackles this season, the most by a Bruin since Eric Kendricks in 2014, a year Kendricks won the Butkus Award.
“Carson had 15 tackles, and that is probably the Butkus winner,” said head coach DeShaun Foster. “You know that he didn’t start those first three games, and he still leads the nation in tackles. That’s just a testament to what type of player he is.”
Schwesinger’s impact extended beyond the box score. His blocked punt in the second quarter, paired with a pivotal sack on Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene during the same frame, prevented the Bulldogs from building momentum.
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His leadership anchored a defense that held Fresno State to just 62 rushing yards and limited opportunities in critical moments.
The senior’s performance has been the linchpin of a stellar season, where he led UCLA in tackles in 10 of 12 games. Despite starting the year as a former walk-on, Schwesinger’s relentless work ethic and ability to rise in big moments earned him universal respect.
“There’s a decision to be made over the next couple of weeks,” Schwesinger said postgame, alluding to a potential NFL future. “Coach Foster will be the first person I tell that decision.”
Whatever direction he chooses, his legacy at UCLA is secure.
The Bruins relied on Carson Schwesinger’s leadership throughout a season of ups and downs, and his fingerprints were all over the victory that sent UCLA’s seniors out on a high note. As Coach Foster noted, “He’s most definitely put his stamp on this program.”