Aug 29, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold reacts during the first half against the Lindenwood Lions at Children's Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Lance Leipold Secures Latest Kansas Football Commit in 2026 Class

Originally posted on Kansas Jayhawks on SI
By Joshua Schulman | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 3:34 AM ET

The Kansas Jayhawks added another commit to the program on Sunday night.

Defensive lineman Nakwaine Carter pledged to Lance Leipold and Co., giving KU its 18th verbal commitment for the 2026 recruiting class.

1000% committed I wanna say im so blessed and I wanna give a huge shout out to everyone who has stuck with me through everything I’m proud to say I’m a Jayhawk. Isaiah 43:19 RockChalk pic.twitter.com/KfAOyWzm8v
— Nakwaine Carter (@NakwaineCarter) June 16, 2025

An incoming senior at Southmoore High School in Moore, Oklahoma, Carter is fresh off his official visit to Kansas. He began his trip to Lawrence on Friday, and he only needed two days of convincing to commit.

Despite holding Big 12 offers from schools like Iowa State, Kansas State, and UCF, Carter ultimately decided KU was the right fit.

He had scheduled a visit to Houston next week but will likely cancel it now that he is committed.

The 247 Sports Composite ranks Carter as the No. 684 overall prospect and No. 75 defensive lineman in the Class of 2026. All outlets list him as a 3-star recruit.

While he still is underweight (256 pounds) for an interior lineman, Carter reportedly projects as a defensive tackle at the collegiate level.

Carter joins fellow Jayhawks Hunter Higgins, Landen Anderson, and Draeden Punt as KU pledges on the front four.

As the coaching staff approaches 20 verbals before the summer, Leipold could be wrapping up what has been an incredible recruiting class very soon.

This article first appeared on Kansas Jayhawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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