Carson Bruener has always been loyal to the Washington Huskies. The legacy followed in his father’s footsteps and stayed with the program through the highs of the national championship appearance after the 2023 seasons and the lows of the 4-8 campaign in 2021, which ultimately resulted in him being named a captain for his final year.
“Everyone talks about it, like, ‘What if I did this, what if I went and got more money?’” he said of the transfer portal in the spring. “I don’t give a s— about the money, to be honest. This is my home. This is my team. This is my program. I’m a local kid. It’s a family school for me. I personally didn’t even consider entering the portal. I didn’t consider even talking to any other school, none of that.”
In his final game with the Huskies, Bruener played with the effort and heart that he has come to be known for throughout his career, even though the defense around him struggled in a 35-34 loss to the Louisville Cardinals in the Sun Bowl. As the Huskies failed to stop the Cardinals, allowing 374 total yards, including 207 on the ground, Bruener was his productive self.
He led the game with 11 tackles, 9 of which were solo, including a clutch fourth down stop of running back Duke Watson near midfield which set up a 49-yard touchdown pass from Demond Williams Jr. to Giles Jackson on the next play. He also tallied 2 of the meager 3 hits the Huskies were able to muster on Louisville quarterback Harrison Bailey.
Bruener finished his season with 104 tackles and 3 interceptions, becoming one of just two players in the Big Ten in 2024 with over 100 tackles and 3 picks, joining Iowa’s All-American Jay Higgins, a fitting end to his career even though the Huskies were unable to send him off with a win.
Over his five years on Montlake, Bruener accrued 305 tackles, 12 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 9 pass breakups, 5 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles which should land him an invite to the Senior Bowl and NFL combine in the coming months.