Why Baylor's big recruiting win is especially critical

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda. Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Why Dave Aranda's big recruiting win is especially critical for Baylor

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 8:24 PM ET

In order for Dave Aranda to keep the Baylor Bears competitive in the Big 12, he has to secure some big wins on the recruiting trail.

That was hard enough with fellow Big 12 programs like Texas and Oklahoma going after the same recruits. It has to feel impossible sometimes now that nearby powers like Texas and Oklahoma can invite recruits to play in the SEC. That's not even to mention Texas A&M.

Baylor has to clean up with recruit, and in-state recruiting becomes vital.

As such, the commitment for four-star defensive lineman Jamarion Carlton is huge for Aranda and his staff. Carlton, from Temple, Texas, announced his commitment to the Bears on Thursday.

2026 4⭐️ EDGE Jamarion Carlton has COMMITTED to #Baylor. Carlton chose the Bears over Texas, Texas Tech, and LSU. He is the 4th highest composite commit in Baylor history. #SicEm #Committed pic.twitter.com/wzRQn7Lwu0
— Baylor Football Recruiting News (@SicemRecruiting) July 10, 2025

This is a massive win for Baylor, especially considering the competition. For some time, Texas was considered the leader for Carlton's commitment. Texas Tech and LSU were also in the running before the Bears made a late surge.

It all came down to the relationships Baylor was able to build, as Carlton tells it.

“They all showed me love and all made me feel like I was the main priority,” Carlton said, via Sam Spiegelman of Rivals.

“That coaching staff there and what they’re building … it’s nice down there,” he continued. “The whole staff made me feel like I was a priority and that getting me there was the main thing — and that was big regardless. It’s home and it feels like home.”

According to 247Sports, Carlton is ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman in the 2026 class. He's also ranked as the No. 4 player from the state of Texas.

Again, with in-state recruiting being vital for Baylor, the importance of this recruiting win can't be overstated.

Carlton took an official visit to Baylor at the end of June, which really sealed the deal for the Bears. He did also visit Texas A&M, SMU, Texas, Texas Tech and LSU, but the vibes in Waco led to a good fit for the four-star.

“It’s family down there. They make you feel love. Everything about it is love,” he explained.

Carlton is Baylor's 15th 2026 commitment and its biggest one to date.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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