Per a report from On3’s Chad Simmons, Carlton’s top six is LSU, Baylor, SMU, Texas, USC, and Texas A&M. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Carlton is the No. 5 ranked EDGE in the class. He’s a top 50 overall prospect and a top-seven player in the state of Texas. Rivals is the highest on Carlton, slotting him as the No. 4 ranked defensive end in the class.

Simmons’ report says Carlton has never been to Louisiana but is excited about visiting LSU soon. With Texas and Texas A&M in a strong position, it could be tough for LSU to pull Carlton out of the state, but defensive line coach Bo Davis and defensive ends coach Kevin Peoples both have a history recruiting the region.

With six commitments on board, LSU’s 2026 class ranks No. 3 in the country. Five of those six commitments are blue-chip recruits. Defensive linemen Richard Anderson is the top ranked of the bunch. According to Rivals, Anderson is the No. 30 overall ranked recruit in the class.