Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, securing a major addition to the 2026 football class.
On Sunday night, Nakwaine Carter, a promising defensive lineman from Oklahoma, committed to Kansas shortly after completing his official visit.
Quick Commitment Following Kansas Visit
Carter, who will be a senior at Southmoore High School in Moore, Oklahoma, began his official visit to KU last Friday.
Just two days later, he gave his verbal commitment, making him the 18th recruit in the Jayhawks’ 2026 class. His decision came despite receiving offers from other Big 12 programs such as Iowa State, Kansas State, and UCF.
He had previously scheduled a visit to Houston, but with his commitment to Kansas, that trip is now expected to be canceled.
Recruiting Rankings and Player Profile
According to 247 Sports Composite rankings, Carter is listed as the No. 684 overall prospect and the No. 75 defensive lineman in the Class of 2026. He is currently rated as a 3-star recruit by all major scouting services.
While Carter’s current weight is around 256 pounds, which is slightly below average for an interior lineman, scouts project him as a future defensive tackle at the collegiate level thanks to his athleticism and upside.
Bolstering the Defensive Line Depth
Carter becomes the fourth defensive line recruit to commit to Kansas, joining fellow Jayhawks pledges Hunter Higgins, Landen Anderson, and Draeden Punt.
His addition further solidifies a deep and talented group up front as KU approaches the 20-commit mark in what’s shaping up to be one of Leipold’s best recruiting efforts yet.
The commitment of Nakwaine Carter marks another important step in Kansas football’s recruiting success under Lance Leipold. With multiple quality defensive linemen already on board, KU is building a formidable class for 2026.
Carter’s quick decision following his visit shows the strength of the program’s recruiting appeal and the coaching staff’s ability to close top targets efficiently. As the summer progresses, Leipold’s 2026 class could be nearing completion with exceptional momentum.