Karsten Upchurch
Karsten Upchurch is a three-star recruit from Starkville, MS (No. 79 in the 2024 class) who has not played in Western Kentucky's 8 games this season.
Where Upchurch comes from
- Starkville, MS
- Starkville
- About 300 miles from Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium
- Three-star junior college recruit in the 2024 class; signed with Mississippi State.
- On the Western Kentucky roster since 2025
Where Upchurch fits
Western Kentucky lists 26 offensive linemen this season.
The team’s line is 91st in the country in line yards this season (a team number).
Western Kentucky is 3-5. Next: at Middle Tennessee, Sat Nov 7.
Similar players
Also from Starkville, MS
Came to Western Kentucky by way of Mississippi State.
In the game threads
at Indiana, Sep 19Hope Upchurch has a quick recoveryIndiana fan, r/CFB game threadNamed in
Where to follow
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.
The unit he anchors ranks 91st nationally in line yards this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Western Kentucky has produced 12 All-Conference offensive linemen. 1 has gone on to the NFL Draft since 2017.
Three seasons, two schools
- 2026 Western Kentucky HeltonYear 3 · Games –
- 2025 Western Kentucky HeltonYear 2 · Games –
- Apr 2025 Entered the transfer portalMississippi State to Western Kentucky
- 2024 Mississippi State LebbyYear 1 · Games –
- Junior college East Mississippi C.C.Three-star junior college recruit. Signed with Mississippi State.
- High school StarkvilleStarkville, MSAlso from Starkville: Braylon Burnside (Memphis), Trey Petty (Western Michigan) and Chris Hayes (Southern Miss).
Moves
- Signed with Mississippi State in the 2024 class, a 3-star recruit.
- Transferred from Mississippi State to Western Kentucky, Apr 23, 2025.
2024
- Signed with Mississippi State3-star out of East Mississippi C.C.
2025
- Transferred to Western Kentuckyfrom Mississippi State
Coaching lineage · 2024–2026
2 coachesPlayed for 2 head coaches at 2 schools: Jeff Lebby and Tyson Helton.