Karsten Upchurch
Redshirt senior offensive lineman on Western Kentucky's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′5″ · 295 lb · Starkville, MS · Starkville HS
Recruiting
OT recruit
No. 79 nationally · Joined Mississippi State
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
4 offensive lineman on Western Kentucky's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Mississippi State in 2024.
- Transferred from Mississippi State to Western Kentucky in 2025.
Karsten Upchurch
He got to Western Kentucky by way of Mississippi State.
Low coverage — composed from the verified record.
- portal record
His career
2024
- Signed with Mississippi State3-star out of East Mississippi C.C.
2025
- Entered the portal
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Tyson Helton
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for Western Kentucky -- now graded to hold down a real starting-caliber role.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
Western Kentucky has produced 11 All-Conference offensive linemen. 1 has gone on to the NFL Draft since 2017.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Western Kentucky
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive line · Western Kentucky
Returning around him
- 84% of 2024 offensive production back (Strong continuity)
- Transfer portal: -4 net (19 in / 23 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Western Kentucky · Last season: 9-4 · Talent rank #87 · 2026 recruiting class #81
Background
AWARDS/HONORS 2027 Shriners Children's 1000 Watchlist 2026 CUSA Preseason Watch List 2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All Conference USA Second Team (OL) 2026 Phil Steele Preseason CUSA All-Conference First Team (OL) 2025 (r-Jr.) | 13/10: Upchurch appeared in all 13 games, with starts in the final 10...