Longhorns Land High-Stakes Flip: Jamarion Carlton Joins 2026 Class
AUSTIN, Texas — In a major recruiting shakeup that has sent shockwaves through the state, the Texas Longhorns have officially flipped the commitment of four-star defensive lineman Jamarion Carlton. The Temple High School standout, previously a cornerstone of Baylor’s 2026 class, announced his decision to stay closer to home and join Steve Sarkisian’s program, punctuating a massive momentum shift for the Longhorns.
The Recruitment Battle
Carlton had been a verbal commit to Baylor since July, but the Longhorns’ coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and defensive line coach Kenny Baker, never stopped the pursuit. The “flip” comes on the heels of Texas’ continued dominance on the field and an aggressive NIL strategy that has redefined how the program competes for elite in-state talent.
For Baylor, the loss is a significant blow. Carlton was the highest-rated prospect in their class, a 6-foot-4, 270-pound powerhouse known for his “speed-to-power” ability and elite athleticism. Standing as a top-100 player nationally and a top-15 prospect in the state of Texas, his departure leaves a void in the Bears’ future defensive front.
What Carlton Brings to the Forty Acres
Scouts have long raved about Carlton’s physical tools. He possesses the frame of a traditional interior lineman but the explosive first step of an edge rusher. During his junior season at Temple, he racked up:
* 68 Total Tackles
* 12 Tackles for Loss
* 5 Sacks
“Finally home,” Carlton posted on social media, alongside the iconic “Hook ’Em” sign. His commitment is seen as a “high-ceiling” acquisition; analysts project him as a multi-year starter with legitimate NFL Draft potential.
A Wave of Momentum
Carlton’s flip is part of a broader surge for Texas recruiting. Over the last several weeks, the Longhorns have been relentless, securing several key additions that have propelled their 2026 class into the top 10 nationally. This run includes other notable flips such as:
* Kaden Scherer: Offensive Tackle (flipped from Stanford)
* Rocky Cummings: Linebacker (flipped from Cal)
* Jett Walker: Running Back (flipped from Minnesota)
While the program recently faced a setback with the loss of Vodney Cleveland to North Carolina, the addition of Carlton more than balances the scales. It signals to the rest of the SEC that Texas remains the primary destination for the “best of the best” within the Lone Star State.
The Verdict
By successfully prying Carlton away from a former Big 12 rival, Steve Sarkisian has once again proven that the Longhorns’ brand is at its strongest in decades. As the early signing period approaches, the focus now shifts to whether Texas can keep this “blue-chip” class together or if more surprises are in store on the recruiting trail.
Would you like me to look up the updated national team rankings for the 2026 class following this commitment?
