Top247 Defensive Lineman Jamarion Carlton Sets Commitment Date, Will Visit LSU Officially Before Making Long-Awaited College Decision
Jamarion Carlton, one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, has set his commitment date, sending ripples through the college football recruiting landscape. The highly regarded four-star Top247 defensive lineman announced he will reveal his college decision on June 29, a date circled by many of the nation’s powerhouse programs still in the hunt for his services. But before he goes public with his commitment, Carlton will take a highly anticipated official visit to LSU — a visit that could go a long way in determining where he ultimately signs.
Carlton, who plays for Center High School in Center, Texas, has seen his stock rise over the last year thanks to a blend of explosive athleticism, high football IQ, and a relentless motor that has drawn comparisons to some of the SEC’s most dominant interior defenders of recent memory. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he brings the kind of size and versatility that makes him a coveted asset for any defensive scheme, whether as a disruptive three-technique tackle or a powerful strong-side end.
Ranked inside the Top 150 nationally by 247Sports and the No. 18 defensive lineman in the class, Carlton’s recruitment has been among the most tightly contested in the country. Programs from across the nation — including LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, and Ohio State — have made the four-star standout a priority. Each school has pitched a vision that includes early playing time, NFL development, and the chance to be part of a championship-caliber defense.
But as the calendar inches closer to the summer, Carlton has trimmed his focus and will now use the next month to lock in his decision. A major step in that process comes with his upcoming official visit to LSU, scheduled for the weekend of June 21. The Tigers, under head coach Brian Kelly and defensive line coach Bo Davis, are making a full-court press to land the East Texas star. The timing of the visit — just days before his decision — speaks volumes about LSU’s standing in Carlton’s recruitment.
Sources close to the situation suggest LSU is not only in Carlton’s top tier but is one of the few programs with legitimate momentum. The Tigers have sold Carlton on the opportunity to be a foundational piece in their rebuilding defense, which has undergone notable changes in both scheme and personnel over the last two years. With the departure of several veteran players to the NFL and a fresh emphasis on recruiting blue-chip talent in the trenches, LSU has made it clear that Carlton would have every chance to contribute early and often.
For Carlton, the decision isn’t just about football. He’s consistently spoken about finding the right “fit” — a blend of coaching relationships, academic support, campus environment, and culture. In recent interviews, he’s emphasized the importance of feeling like “family” and being around a staff that genuinely invests in its players beyond the game. That’s where programs like LSU believe they hold a key edge, given their reputation for player development and strong team chemistry.
The LSU visit will be Carlton’s final official visit before announcing his decision, making it all the more crucial for the Tigers to hit the mark. The staff is expected to roll out the red carpet, bringing in a handful of other top prospects and commits to build camaraderie, including several elite defensive recruits LSU is targeting. The atmosphere at Tiger Stadium, the family vibe at the football operations center, and the chance to spend time with coaches, players, and academics staff could be what seals the deal.
Still, LSU will have to fend off serious competition, especially from in-state programs like Texas and Texas A&M. The Longhorns have long been considered a top contender, thanks to the efforts of defensive line coach Kenny Baker and head coach Steve Sarkisian. Texas has pitched Carlton on staying home and becoming a Longhorn legend — part of a growing in-state movement that includes multiple five-star defensive recruits. The proximity to family and the opportunity to play for a program on the rise in the SEC adds to Texas’ allure.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, has leaned into its longstanding relationships with Carlton and his high school coaches. The Aggies have recruited East Texas well over the years and have a proven track record of turning defensive linemen into NFL talent. Though they’ve had ups and downs as a program in recent seasons, their commitment to recruiting elite linemen remains a central pillar under new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman.
Oklahoma has also made a push, emphasizing its SEC transition and the chance to be a cornerstone recruit as Brent Venables builds a new identity on defense. Alabama and Florida are still lurking as well — programs with strong traditions of developing defensive linemen into All-Americans and top draft picks. Each school has hosted Carlton on unofficial visits and has remained in contact throughout the process.
What separates LSU at this stage is not just the timing of the visit, but the sense of urgency and clarity the program has shown. Bo Davis, hired in the offseason as defensive line coach, has quickly established himself as one of the nation’s most respected position coaches, known for developing first-round picks and instilling a toughness that resonates with elite prospects. Carlton’s game fits Davis’ aggressive, disciplined style — a match that could make Baton Rouge the ideal landing spot.
Carlton’s rise to national prominence has been years in the making. As a junior at Center High, he recorded 76 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles — eye-popping numbers for an interior lineman. His dominance in the trenches earned him district MVP honors and invitations to some of the top offseason showcases, where he more than held his own against elite competition. College coaches rave about his explosive first step, violent hands, and ability to disrupt plays before they develop.
Equally impressive is Carlton’s off-field approach. Coaches describe him as a student of the game — someone who watches film with intent, asks the right questions, and holds himself accountable in both the weight room and the classroom. He’s maintained a strong GPA and is active in his community, mentoring younger players and participating in local service events. That maturity has made him a leader in his program and a role model among his peers.
Now, the next step is choosing a college that will not only support his football development but also his broader goals. Carlton has expressed interest in pursuing a degree in sports management or kinesiology, with aspirations of working in athletics administration or coaching after his playing career. LSU has made sure to highlight its academic programs and the support available through the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes, one of the best in the country.
As June 29 draws nearer, anticipation continues to build. Recruiting insiders will be watching Carlton’s visit to LSU closely, as it could ultimately be the deciding factor. For a prospect who values relationships, development, and culture, LSU offers a compelling package. But in the wild world of recruiting, nothing is guaranteed until the commitment is made and the signature is on the dotted line.
Carlton’s decision will not only shape the trajectory of his own career but could also impact the recruiting momentum of whichever program he chooses. Landings like this tend to ripple through a class, attracting other top-tier talent and solidifying coaching reputations. If LSU can close the deal, it will mark another statement win on the trail for Brian Kelly, who continues to assemble one of the most balanced and high-upside rosters in the country.
For now, all eyes are on Baton Rouge. The Tigers have one last shot to impress, and they know what’s at stake. Jamarion Carlton’s recruitment has been a marathon — full of twists, visits, phone calls, and evaluations — but the finish line is in sight. June 29 will be the day everyone finds out where one of the nation’s most disruptive defenders will take his talents next.
