Texas flips from trending to fading for elite pass-rusher as two in-state rivals emerge as contenders for four-star prospect
It wasn't long ago when the Texas Longhorns looked to be in sole control of their recruitment of three building blocks in the trenches. They landed defensive stalwart Richard Wesley, but the last-minute swerve by Felix Ojo left Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns stunned. Now, it appears as though the third key outstanding member of […]
It wasn't long ago when the Texas Longhorns looked to be in sole control of their recruitment of three building blocks in the trenches. They landed defensive stalwart Richard Wesley, but the last-minute swerve by Felix Ojo left Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns stunned.
Now, it appears as though the third key outstanding member of their 2026 wish list is trending the wrong way, too. The latest intel on Temple, Texas, pass-rusher Jamarion Carlton is that two other Texas-based schools are closing in. The Longhorns had a 92% prediction rate by On3, but insiders say that's no longer the case.
Now, Baylor and Texas Tech are rising into top contention for the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder.
“Texas Tech has stepped up a lot,” he told Rivals. "Regardless, they have always been there. They stay in touch every single day. They’re very consistent … Going down there to get the full experience, to see how they do everything, how everyone is in the locker room, how the players are … They vibe and they treat each other like family on and off the field. Listening to the coaches, seeing how they coach, seeing how they develop people, and what they can do for me to turn me into a man … it benefited them a whole lot.”
It's weird to see Texas losing ground, but the new NIL landscape is that different. Texas can't pay everyone top dollar, and giving Carlton more money than Wesley isn't doable.
With his announcement set for July 10, the Longhorns are bracing to lose the battle for Carlton. They're well-stocked along the line, though, nabbing three defensive tackles in addition to Wesley.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Texas become more active in the transfer portal next offseason to offset the loss, and the fact that there's not a ton of obvious four-star talent still on the market. However, that could change as games get underway this fall.
