Texas Longhorns aim to end cold streak on recruiting trail with elite defensive target set to announce Thursday
Texas does battle with Baylor for a top, in-state defensive target. Can the Longhorns land one of the best prospects in the country?
On Thursday, Temple (Tex.) defensive lineman Jamarion Carlton is set to announce his commitment. He will choose between Texas, Baylor, LSU, and Texas Tech. The 6-foot-4.5, 260 pound prospect is listed as the nation's No. 33 overall prospect, No. 3 defensive lineman, and Texas' No. 4 recruit.
Coming into announcement day, there has been a ton of buzz around the Baylor Bears. But, Texas isn't going to go away quietly. The Navy All-American Bowl selection will make his declaration at 4pm CT in front of friends and family at Temple High School.
Physically and athletically gifted front-line defender who could play from the edge or bulk to a true defensive lineman thanks to immense frame space. Measured exceptionally well during 2025 Navy All-American Bowl week, while assembling an encouraging performance against elite competition to reacquire the "stock up" label. North of 6-4 and around 240 pounds with excellent length. Displays quick-twitch athleticism that shows in pads and explosive basketball context. Dynamic open-floor finisher in hoops, where second-jump juice regularly shows. Technically raw, but flashes high-level splash playmaking ability. Also showed encouraging down-to-down competency in various scenarios during NAAB week. Plays upright at times and can improve flexibility. Rush arsenal should expand with experience. Flashes startling speed-to-power ability and point-of-attack strength. Limited track and field reps (100 meters, shot put, discus) create a three-sport athletic profile. Represents a high-ceiling on-ball defender who could fit multiple roles and schemes. Projects as a possible high-major impact player with bona fide NFL Draft traits. – Gabe Brooks, 247Sports
Texas has had some tough beats on the recruiting trail the last month. Will Jamarion Carlton be a change in the trend?
I spoke with a source familiar with the recruitment ahead of the announcement. He thinks Baylor is going to win this one.
"Baylor prioritized Carlton as the top priority on their board from the beginning and won Carlton and his family over with an all out approach with involvement from the entire coaching staff," source told A to Z Sports. "While Texas seemed like the favorite, the Longhorns had lapses in communication along the way when staff turned over in Austin during the early spring."
The curious case of the whiffs began on July 4. Five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo shocked everyone – picking Texas Tech and four-star wideout Ethan Feaster chose Southern Cal. Then, earlier this week the Longhorns missed on legacy four-star Jalen Lott.
If you look at the top talent in the state, per 247Sports' rankings, this makes six of the Top 10 prospects in the Lone Star State who are currently committed to out-of-state programs. If Carlton picks Baylor Thursday, it will make it seven.
Now, if you want to look at this way, not every highly-ranked prospect is high on Texas' board. Steve Sarkisian and his staff are not just looking in-state. The Longhorns program can recruit nationally, no problem. The 2026 class is currently ranked 14th in the country and boasts seven out-of-state commits.
But, you can't deny the recent trend in misses on elite talent in the state of Texas is a bit concerning. We will see if the trend flips with Carlton.
