Top 2026 Defensive Lineman James Carrington Reveals Latest on Oklahoma Recruitment and His Early Top-Two Schools…

James Carrington, a four-star defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class, has quickly become one of the most coveted prospects in the nation. Known for his explosive pass-rushing ability, dominant presence on the field, and impressive combination of size and speed, Carrington has made waves in college football recruiting circles. As his recruitment continues to heat up, he recently shared some important updates regarding his interest in Oklahoma, as well as his early top-two schools.

 

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Carrington, who plays for a top high school program in the Southeast, is already regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2026 class. His combination of physical tools, work ethic, and football IQ has attracted attention from major college football programs across the country. Though he’s still a few years away from making his college decision, Carrington is narrowing down his list and is looking closely at the schools that are making the strongest impressions.

 

Oklahoma, one of the programs that has shown serious interest in Carrington, is in a strong position to land him, though it’s not the only school he’s considering. The Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, have become a staple in the recruitment of elite defensive players, and they are looking to continue their tradition of success on that side of the ball. Venables, a defensive mastermind, has already made a mark at Oklahoma by recruiting some of the top defensive talent in the country, and Carrington has noted how much he respects the Sooners’ ability to develop top-tier players.

 

“Oklahoma has been consistent in their pursuit of me, and they’ve shown me a lot of love,” Carrington said in a recent interview. “I like how Coach Venables coaches the defense, and I can see how they’re building something special there.”

 

Despite Oklahoma’s strong position, Carrington’s recruitment is far from over. He has made it clear that he is not rushing into a decision and will take his time to find the program that fits him best. That being said, Carrington recently revealed that Oklahoma is not the only school in the mix. His early top-two schools include both Oklahoma and another powerhouse program that has made a major push for his commitment: the University of Georgia.

 

Georgia, which has been a consistent contender for national championships under head coach Kirby Smart, has also made a strong impression on Carrington. Known for its relentless defensive play and ability to develop defensive linemen who can make an immediate impact, Georgia is a program that has Carrington’s full attention.

 

“I’ve been really impressed with how Georgia has recruited and developed guys in my position,” Carrington said. “They’re a championship-caliber program, and I can see myself fitting into their defensive system.”

 

While these two schools are currently standing out to Carrington, it’s important to note that his recruitment is still in its early stages. With more schools likely to enter the race, Carrington’s recruitment is expected to evolve over time. He plans to take his official visits, continue to build relationships with coaching staffs, and evaluate his options carefully before making any final decisions.

 

Carrington’s early top-two of Oklahoma and Georgia shows just how coveted he is as a recruit, and whichever program eventually secures his commitment will likely receive a transformative player who can change the course of their defensive line. College football fans and recruiting experts alike will be watching closely as Carrington’s recruitment unfolds in the coming months and years.