Published September 2, 2026
By GRACE GRAHL
Graduating in December ahead of the rest of his class, senior Carl Wiegel committed to Fresno State, a Division I college, on June 20, joining his older brother Oscar, a sophomore and fellow offensive lineman, on the Bulldogs.
The decision to graduate early cuts Weigel’s senior year short, but he hopes it will improve his chances of ending up on Fresno State’s starting lineup sooner.
The 6-foot-4, 274-pound offensive lineman hopes to gain vital experience and training in the Fresno State football facilities. Courtesy of CARL WEIGEL
“I’ll be able to get in a college weight room and get into college practices,” says the three-year varsity player. “It gives me a big head start. I hope to play as early as I can, whether that’s freshman year or the year after that. Graduating early will definitely help me along that path.”
Ever since Weigel was young, he has wished to play with his brothers on the field. After he just missed playing with Oscar in 2023 for the Padres, his next goal was to play with him at a collegiate level.
“The main reason I chose Fresno State is because Oscar plays there,” the 17-year-old hiker and fisherman says. “It’s a dream come true for both of us. We always talked about how we wanted to play together.”
During the 2025 season, Weigel shifted his focus more to an execution and leadership standpoint. Instead of looking at the big picture, he honed specific techniques and spent time coaching and giving advice to younger players who would eventually play offensive line.
Interior offensive lineman Carl Weigel (#64) provides protection so the offense can make a move. Courtesy of CARL WEIGEL
“He’s really doing a good job of helping the younger guys at his position,” says varsity football head coach Golden Anderson. “He’s had some pretty good role models when it comes to trying to work with young guys. He’s doing a good job of that with the younger linemen at his position that look up to him because he’s going on to play, and that’s a dream of so many people.”
While Weigel makes CHS athletic history by being the third football player to graduate early, he’s also participated in the first Shoe Game under the lights. Weigel feels that his role as a leader and a student-athlete on the team is more apparent now because of the monumental game.
“To be a student-athlete means being a representative of the school,” says Weigel. “You’re not just a student, but you’re also showing what your school is all about, in the community or on the field. I try to be the best representation of Carmel that I can be.”
Weigel will be joining the Bulldogs, who recently moved from the Mountain West Conference to the Pac-12 Conference, for spring training.
