The college football recruiting world is on fire, and the flames are hottest around one name: Jamarion Carlton. The elite EDGE rusher and top-50 national recruit has become the centerpiece of a high-stakes recruiting battle that is sending shockwaves through the Power Five landscape. With Baylor, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech all making aggressive pushes, the race to land Carlton is officially in its final, frantic stage.
“It’s a real, real, real close race,” Carlton said in a recent interview. “I’ve got love for all of these programs. It’s gonna be one of the hardest decisions I ever have to make.”
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound pass rusher from Cedar Hill, Texas, has been turning heads since his sophomore season with his freakish combination of speed, size, and instinct. As a senior, he posted a staggering 18 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles, cementing his status as one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country.
The Contenders: A Breakdown
Each of the five schools in the hunt has a compelling case to offer:
- Texas A&M: With a reputation for developing elite defensive linemen and sending them to the NFL, the Aggies are leveraging their track record under head coach Mike Elko and defensive line guru Elijah Robinson. The Aggies offer proximity, tradition, and a big-stage SEC platform.
- Texas: The Longhorns are surging under Steve Sarkisian and made a major playoff run last season. With a loaded defense returning and NIL momentum on their side, Texas is banking on big-time exposure and a shot at national championships.
- LSU: The Tigers have long been known as a defensive powerhouse. Brian Kelly’s staff has emphasized Carlton as a Day 1 contributor, pitching immediate SEC playing time and a fast track to the pros.
- Baylor: The dark horse in the race, Baylor is leaning into relationships and development. Head coach Dave Aranda’s defense is tailored to EDGE production, and the Bears are selling a culture-first program with staying power.
- Texas Tech: Joey McGuire and defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter are making a serious play, emphasizing scheme fit and a chance to be the centerpiece of a rising Big 12 defense. Tech’s NIL efforts have also stepped up considerably.
Decision Coming Soon
Carlton has said he plans to make his final decision by early June, just ahead of summer workouts and fall enrollment deadlines. His upcoming visits to LSU and Texas Tech are seen as potentially pivotal, with insiders calling the decision “truly neck and neck” between at least three of the schools.
One thing is certain: wherever Carlton lands, he’s expected to make an instant impact and possibly reshape the trajectory of a program’s defensive unit.
“This is more than just football,” Carlton said. “It’s about where I become the best version of myself — as a player and a man.”
Recruiting fans and coaches alike are watching closely. The countdown to Carlton’s commitment is on — and the race couldn’t be tighter.
