Temple High School’s Jamarion Carlton, a standout pass rusher in the class of 2026, is making a name for himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation. The five-star talent recently made his fourth visit of the year to Texas, attending the Longhorns’ game against Mississippi State. The trip was another chance for Carlton to get a closer look at the Texas program, meet with the coaching staff, and see the Longhorns in action. As his recruitment heats up, Carlton’s repeated visits to Austin show a growing connection with the Texas program and could be significant in the battle for his commitment.
Carlton’s status as a five-star prospect and one of the most sought-after defensive players in the 2026 class has made him a priority for many top programs. With offers from schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma, Carlton is attracting interest from across the country. Yet, his frequent trips to Texas indicate a serious interest in what head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are building in Austin.
The Mississippi State game provided a chance for Carlton to experience the game-day atmosphere at Texas Memorial Stadium, and the young pass rusher came away impressed. “It’s always a great time being in Austin,” Carlton said. “The fans are passionate, and the energy in the stadium is incredible. It’s the kind of environment any player would love to be a part of.” The atmosphere at the game and the support from the Longhorns’ faithful were just some of the elements that caught Carlton’s attention during his latest visit.
In addition to taking in the game, Carlton had the opportunity to connect with the Texas coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and defensive line coach Bo Davis. Building a strong relationship with the coaching staff is a key factor in Carlton’s recruitment, and he appreciated the time they took to discuss his potential role in the Texas defense. “Coach Kwiatkowski and Coach Davis are great,” Carlton shared. “They have a lot of experience, and they know how to develop players for the next level. They’ve been clear about how they see me fitting into their defense, and I like what I’ve heard.”
Texas has made Carlton a priority, and it’s evident that the feeling is mutual. He praised the vision Sarkisian has for the program and the direction the Longhorns are heading as they prepare for their transition into the SEC. Carlton’s visit also allowed him to connect with current Texas players and get a sense of the team’s culture. “The players are tight-knit, and there’s a real sense of brotherhood,” he observed. “They’re all focused on getting better and competing at a high level, and that’s something that stands out to me.”
While Carlton has kept his recruitment relatively open, his frequent visits to Texas suggest that the Longhorns are making a strong impression. His relationship with the coaching staff and his comfort with the campus and the football environment in Austin are significant factors that could weigh in Texas’s favor as his recruitment progresses. However, with offers from other national powerhouses, Carlton is in no rush to make a final decision.
As he continues to navigate his recruitment, Carlton plans to take additional visits to other schools and explore all of his options. “I want to make sure I find the right fit,” he said. “It’s important to me to find a place where I can develop as a player and as a person, and where I feel like I can make an impact.”
Texas, with its strong push to secure top-tier talent as it enters the SEC, appears to be positioning itself well in the race for Carlton’s commitment. For now, the Longhorns remain a contender in what promises to be a highly competitive recruitment for one of the nation’s elite pass rushers. Carlton’s fourth visit to Austin is a testament to the Longhorns’ appeal and their efforts to secure a foundational piece for their future defense. As the recruiting process continues to unfold, the eyes of the college football world will be on Carlton, and Texas fans will hope that the Temple star’s frequent visits to Austin ultimately result in him donning the burnt orange.