In a stunning turn of events, one of Texas’ most coveted defensive talents has just flipped his commitment, sending shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. Temple’s Jamarion Carlton, a Top247 defensive lineman, has officially switched his pledge from Baylor to the University of Texas, marking a significant victory for the Longhorns. But here’s where it gets controversial: after months of back-and-forth between programs, what ultimately swayed Carlton? Was it Texas’ relentless pursuit, Baylor’s hometown appeal, or something else entirely?
Carlton, a 6-foot-4.5, 260-pound powerhouse, had been committed to Baylor since July 10th, but his recent attendance at three consecutive Texas games—including Friday night’s showdown against Texas A&M—hinted at a potential change of heart. In an exclusive interview with Horns247, Carlton revealed, ‘Texas just felt like the right place to develop me. The atmosphere is crazy there, man. I’d love to play for them.’ This decision didn’t come overnight; Carlton admitted he’d been contemplating the switch for weeks, drawn in by the Longhorns’ coaching staff’s unwavering persistence. ‘They never gave up,’ he noted, crediting EDGE coach LaAllan Clark as his primary recruiter.
Ranked as the No. 89 overall prospect nationally, the No. 10 defensive lineman, and the No. 12 prospect in Texas by the 247Sports Composite, Carlton’s commitment continues a trend: for the third straight recruiting cycle, Texas has landed the Lone Star State’s top EDGE prospect. Joining the likes of Lance Jackson (2025) and Colin Simmons (2024), Carlton’s addition solidifies Texas’ dominance in securing elite defensive talent. And this is the part most people miss: despite being recruited as an EDGE, Carlton’s near seven-foot wingspan and frame potential (projected to hold over 300 pounds) have scouts labeling him as a versatile defensive line prospect. ‘[Texas] said I’ll basically be able to play all over the D-line,’ Carlton shared. ‘I just gotta keep working hard and progressing.’
Carlton’s recruitment journey was anything but straightforward. Initially committing to Baylor over Texas, LSU, and Texas Tech, the Longhorns had led early on after offering him at their June 1st Elite Camp last year. However, the spring brought a flurry of interest from programs like Texas A&M, LSU, USC, and SMU, making his decision far from certain. Texas coaches Steve Sarkisian, LaAllan Clark, and Pete Kwiatkowski ramped up their efforts in May, securing an official visit in early June. While Texas gained ground, Baylor countered with a compelling pitch centered on staying local, ultimately securing Carlton’s commitment in July.
But here’s the twist: as Baylor’s season faltered, Texas re-emerged, inviting Carlton to their November 1st victory over Vanderbilt. This visit reignited his interest, leading to two more trips to Austin—including Friday night’s game—before his final decision. Now, Carlton is set to play in the Navy All-American Bowl in January before enrolling early at Texas. His scouting report from 247Sports National Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks highlights his ‘physically and athletically gifted’ profile, noting his potential to excel as both an EDGE and a true defensive lineman. With ‘high-level splash playmaking ability’ and a ‘high-ceiling on-ball defender’ projection, Carlton is poised to make an immediate impact.
As Carlton declares, ‘Let’s get it rolling, Longhorn fans. HOOK ‘EM,’ the question remains: Did Texas outmaneuver Baylor, or did Carlton simply find his perfect fit? And what does this mean for the future of Texas’ defensive line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this the start of a new era for the Longhorns, or just another chapter in the ever-evolving recruiting saga?