Junior linebacker Karsten Busch is a top rated recruit for the 2026 class. Busch is a track star and a two-year varsity starter, as his sophomore season consisted of 45 total tackles, 3 sacks, and tallied 1 interception. Now in his junior year, the linebacker has been making a name for himself throughout the recruiting process.
Can you describe how your recruiting process started? When did you first start generating interest?
Busch: My recruiting process started later than most ‘26s. I first started to have real college interest after my sophomore season. After a strong season, coaches really liked what they saw on film. I got my first official offer in the spring.
How do you balance the attention from college coaches as well as your job on the field and in the classroom?
Busch: It’s a very difficult thing to do. Sometimes I just think about all the other high school players who dream to have what I have. I try to be very humble and keep my head down. It’s a lot of pressure. Pressure can be handled by the right preparation and good balance. Classroom comes first, so I have to get it done there before even thinking about football.
What factors are most important to you when considering your offers?
Busch: Choosing a school is a tough deal. The main things I’ll be considering is the school’s conference/level of play. I’ll also be very observant to their culture, and the relationships coaches have with players, etc.
Have any of the coaches or programs taken an approach that stood out to you throughout the process?
Busch: I was surprised at Wisconsin being so interested so quickly. They have a high-end football program with a solid history. It was an unexpected offer. I’m very grateful for their interest and efforts to recruit me.
Given the spotlight what are your personal goals for the season and where do you want to be by the end of your junior year?
Busch: The main thing for me is to grow as a man and as a football player. At the end of the year I hope to see more scholarship opportunities and I want our team to be the best we can be. I want to be respected for the things I do on the field, but I want the spotlight to go to the whole defense, not just me.
Busch currently holds thirteen Division 1 offers from Bucknell, Louisville, Kentucky, Purdue, Cincinnati, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, West Virginia, and Michigan State, Indiana, and North Carolina. Wherever Busch goes, the St. X community will be there to support him.
