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Elite 4-Star Texas Target Predicted to Snub Longhorns for In-State Big 12 Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 4:06 PM ET

In the 2026 recruiting class, the Texas Longhorns have landed just two top-15 in-state prospects, per On3 Industry Rankings, in the form of offensive lineman John Turntine and athlete Jermaine Bishop Jr.

However, there are a number of players they're still pursuing, with one of the biggest being EDGE Jamarion Carlton, who they've had for a total of six visits. including an official one on June 6.

The Longhorns are certainly in the mix, as the pass rusher previously announced the four finalists as he's deciding among the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the LSU Tigers and the Baylor Bears.

Unfortunately for Texas, though, on Thursday, On3's Steve Wiltfong logged an expert prediction for Carlton to remain in-state, but instead choose Baylor.

Of course, for the Bears, this would serve as an impressive win, with On3 Industry Rankings placing Carlton as a four-star recruit, the No. 8 EDGE, the No. 5 player in Texas and the No. 44 player in the nation.

At the high school level, he's proven to be an effective player, recording 86 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 20 hurries, eight sacks, one interception and one forced fumble the last two seasons for the Temple Wildcats.

Carlton would be one of the biggest additions for Baylor's 2026 recruiting class, which as of now holds 14 commitments, ranking No. 7 in the Big 12 and No. 47 in the nation.

He also isn't the only in-state recruit that the Bears and Longhorns find themselves duking it out for, as each is looking to land four-star wide receiver Jordan Clay.

Baylor is also favored in that battle as well, with the On3 recruiting prediction machine giving them the best chance (73.7%) to receive his commitment, while Texas is considerably behind at 23.1%.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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