Four-Star Texas Edge Rusher Jamarion Carlton Chooses LSU, Cementing Bayou Tigers’ National Dominance in 2026 Recruiting Class – A Detailed Breakdown of His Rise, LSU’s Strategy, and What This Means for the SEC Power Race

👑 From Temple to Baton Rouge: Four-Star Texas Edge Rusher Jamarion Carlton Chooses LSU, Cementing Bayou Tigers’ National Dominance in 2026 Recruiting Class – A Detailed Breakdown of His Rise, LSU’s Strategy, and What This Means for the SEC Power Race

 

 

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A Home-State Talent Flies the Coop: Why Jamarion Carlton, a Temple Native, Opted for LSU Over Texas

 

In a move that shook both collegiate drop zones and the Lone Star State, Jamarion Carlton—a highly touted four-star edge rusher from Temple, Texas—has officially committed to LSU, turning down heavyweight in-state contenders including Texas, SMU, Baylor, and Texas A&M . Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing approximately 230 pounds (some services list him at 6’5″, 238 lb) , Carlton has cemented his status as one of the nation’s top defensive prospects. On3 ranks him as the No. 5 EDGE rusher in the class with Texas ranking second in the state and No. 2 overall in Texas . This commitment is a major coup for LSU, marking a statement in recruiting strategy and athlete development.

 

 

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ICYMI: The Numbers Behind Jamarion’s Stellar High School Campaign

 

Carlton’s junior season was nothing short of impressive: 57 tackles, five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble . His production on the field and his explosive athletic traits made him highly coveted—several crystal-ball projections tipped him to land with Texas, but LSU swooped in with an opportunity he couldn’t resist . His accolades across recruiting services further underscore his talent: ESPN ranks him 134 nationally, 17 at position; 247 has him at 43 overall, 5 at EDGE position; and On3 lists him 36 overall, 5 at EDGE .

 

 

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Strategic Push: LSU’s Blueprint to Stealing Top Texas Talent

 

Under head coach Brian Kelly and defensive ends coach Kevin Peoples, LSU has intensified its presence in Texas. Their recruitment of Carlton traces back to an in-person offer camp in Temple by Brian Kelly in June 2024, and since then, he’s been one of their top targets . LSU’s bold approach reflects a broader recruiting trend: campus visits, virtual interactions, NIL prospects, and clear developmental messaging—particularly regarding their defensive scheme. LSU emphasized opportunities for early playing time, a strong defensive culture, and graduate degree pathways, echoing sentiments from previous commits like LaJesse Harrold, another 4-star defensive end from Tampa, Florida, who praised LSU’s consistency and competitiveness .

 

 

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A Bolt from the Bayou: How LSU Closed Out the Deal

 

From early recruitment to final commitment, LSU utilized a multi-pronged strategy:

 

Personal Touch: Direct interaction from Brian Kelly in Temple and ongoing contact built strong relationships .

 

Competition Edge: LSU pitched a vision that transcended conference loyalty—offering Carlton a chance to compete for championships and secure development at a national stage .

 

Commitments in the Trenches: With prior successes landing defenders like Harrold, Zion Williams, and JaReylan McCoy, LSU showcased a strong defensive identity that resonated with Carlton .

 

National Reach: Demonstrating consistent recruiting success across Texas and beyond, LSU’s message of “premium defensive culture” appealed even to out-of-state recruits.

 

 

 

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Impact on LSU’s Class of 2026—and the SEC Recruiting Landscape

 

Carlton’s addition is monumental—he’s the first elite Texas EDGE to commit to LSU for 2026, making them a true national recruiting contender . LSU now boasts six commitments in the class, including heavy-hitting recruits from multiple regions . The pickup not only spikes LSU’s national rankings but also chips away at Texas’s recruiting base, potentially shifting key talent pipelines away from the Longhorns.

 

Meanwhile, traditional SEC rivals like Alabama and Georgia are likely monitoring Carlton’s decision as fuel for their own future recruiting plans. His de-commitment from Texas sends a signal: LSU is no longer just a regional power; it’s a national powerhouse in talent acquisition and player development.

 

 

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Looking Ahead: What This Means for Carlton—and LSU’s Defensive Front

 

Carlton brings versatility and physicality—ideal traits to fit LSU’s aggressive 4–3 defensive front. His high school film suggests a player ready to play early and make an immediate impact. For LSU, adding Carlton is a step toward building a dominant defensive line unit beyond 2025’s class, featuring talents like Harrold and McCoy .

 

For Carlton, the move to Baton Rouge doesn’t just mean personal development—it’s about joining a legacy program carving its path back to championship contention. LSU’s defensive identity will provide elite training, exposure, and competition—key in prepping for potential NFL drafts.

 

 

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Final Word: A Tremendous Coup for LSU, a Shift in the Power Balance

 

Jamarion Carlton’s commitment to LSU on June 7, 2025, marks more than just another star player signing—it’s a statement. LSU continues to redefine what it means to recruit nationally, building a class that blends elite talent, strategic vision, and cultural fit. Carlton’s decision to leave Texas soil for the Bayou’s promise validates LSU’s aggressive national recruiting approach and sets a precedent: elite Texas athletes can—and will—choose Baton Rouge.

 

With Carlton added to the mix, LSU is not just in the hunt for the next national title—they’re designing their defensive future brick by brick, reigniting a legacy of gridiron dominance, one elite EDGE rusher at a time.

 

 

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📝 Sources:

 

Carlton’s offers, size, and rankings

 

LSU’s recruiting strategy and related defensive recruit wins