Bergeson continued developing within a Waukee Northwest program on the rise during the 2025 season. The Wolves leaned on a veteran offensive line with a Power 4 transfer in reaching the state semifinals for the first time in school history. Graduation losses will open up opportunities next fall for returnees who’ve been biding their time on a roster deep in talent. That makes Bergeson a breakout candidate during the upcoming campaign. There’s isn’t a lot of new footage of him since we evaluated the junior-to-be’s freshman film last year. What we do see on his Hudl page are clips from his 10th-grade season that show a left tackle with the athleticism to be effective in pass pro and the strength to dominate in the run game.

(@karstonbergeson)

There’s a lot to like about a rising Waukee Northwest team, which boasts great young talent. One player to watch from that group is offensive lineman Karston Bergeson Karston Bergeson 6'1" | 250 lbs | OL/DL Waukee Northwest | 2028 State IA , who started at left tackle on the freshman team but could carve out a role for himself this season. Karston’s physicality and mean streak stood out to me as he was constantly looking to finish his blocks in the dirt and played through the whistle. He packs a mean punch when shooting his hands and knows how to work them inside to gain leverage over his opponent. Strong leg drive to force defenders off the ball. Bergeson’s mobility also stood out on tape as he was quick to work his way to the second level and can build solid momentum when executing pull blocks before exploding through the defender’s chest. Good footwork. I could see Karston being kicked to the interior at one of the guard spots and excelling at the next level.

Bergeson played his first year of high school football on the Wolves’ freshman squad in 2024. A newer program, Northwest is beginning to see the fruits of developing talent in an area of the state with a lot of it. Bergeson’s ninth-grade highlight video impresses, especially when you consider he’s facing fine competition. Operating at left tackle, he wins with strength, power and agility uncommon for a player of his youth and experience. Bergeson plows over would-be tacklers in the run game before they can react. In pass pro, he’s nible and works with good hand placement. Picking Bergeson as a breakout for this season would be a fine selection.