In the competitive realm of college football recruiting, securing top-tier talent is paramount for programs aiming to maintain or elevate their status. One such talent in the 2026 recruiting class is Jamarion Carlton, a four-star EDGE rusher from Temple, Texas. Recently, Carlton announced his top ten schools, with the Texas Longhorns making the coveted list. This development underscores the Longhorns’ commitment to strengthening their defensive lineup and highlights Carlton’s rising prominence in high school football.
Jamarion Carlton: A Rising Star
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, Carlton has established himself as a formidable force on the defensive front. His performance at Temple High School has been nothing short of impressive. In the current season, over just five games, he has amassed 30 total tackles, with eight for loss, and recorded two sacks, averaging six tackles per game. These statistics not only reflect his consistency but also his disruptive presence on the field, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Recruiting analysts have taken note of Carlton’s potential. According to On3, he ranks as the No. 40 overall prospect and the No. 5 EDGE in the 2026 cycle, also placing him as the No. 4 player in Texas. Such rankings are a testament to his skill set and the impact he brings to the game.
The Recruitment Journey
Carlton’s recruitment has been a focal point for many top-tier programs. In early October 2024, he unveiled his top ten schools, a list that includes Baylor, Kansas State, LSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and USC. This announcement signifies a critical step in his decision-making process, narrowing down the programs that align most closely with his aspirations.
The Texas Longhorns have been particularly proactive in their pursuit of Carlton. He has made multiple visits to the University of Texas, including attending the January 20 Junior Day, the June 1 Elite Camp, and the late July Texas Bash Pool Party. These visits have provided Carlton with an in-depth perspective on the program’s culture, facilities, and coaching philosophy. Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has been instrumental in this recruitment, establishing a strong rapport with Carlton. Carlton has expressed admiration for Kwiatkowski, stating, “He’s a very good coach. It’s close to home and Texas is a good school. They have a whole lot of good players and it was amazing watching practice again.”
Analyzing the Competition
While Texas has made a significant impression, other programs are equally invested in securing Carlton’s commitment. Texas A&M, for instance, has hosted Carlton on multiple occasions. During these visits, he engaged extensively with the coaching staff, including head coach Mike Elko. Carlton noted, “I like them a lot. When I first went down there, I was able to talk to most of the coaches and coach Elko a lot. When I was down there recently, I got to talk to a lot of the coaches again. Coach Elko is a good guy. I like the d-line coaches there too. They’re pretty good.”
Programs like Ohio State and LSU also bring their storied histories and strong defensive traditions into the mix, making Carlton’s decision all the more challenging.
The Road Ahead
As Carlton approaches his senior year, the anticipation surrounding his college decision intensifies. While he has a plethora of elite programs vying for his talent, Carlton has emphasized that his choice will be influenced by how well a school fits his educational and athletic goals, rather than proximity to home. He stated, “I’m looking at schools to see if they’re a fit for me and if it’ll be a good place for me education-wise in terms of what I want to do. I am studying everything about the opportunities there. I look around a lot when I visit schools.”
For the Texas Longhorns, landing Carlton would be a significant boost to their 2026 recruiting class, reinforcing their defensive edge and showcasing their ability to attract top talent. As the recruitment process progresses, Longhorns fans and college football enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching Carlton’s journey, eager to see where this rising star will ultimately commit.