The final countdown: 4-star DL names top 3 schools ahead of 2026 decision

Yesterday, 4-star edge rusher Jamarion Carlton announced his commitment to Baylor after including the Horns in his final four schools. At the same time, Jake Kreul, another top-tier 4-star edge rusher, has revealed his final three schools: Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and the Texas Longhorns. Kreul hails from Orlando, Florida, and is currently attending the prestigious IMG Academy. According to 24/7 Sports, he's nationally ranked as the eighth-best edge rusher in the 2026 class.

Just a few days ago, Reporter Hayes Fawcett from Rivals reported that Kreul has included the Longhorns in his final three options. Although there is currently no set date for a commitment announcement regarding his school choice, we'll keep you informed on that front. For now, let’s explore the potential of the Longhorns landing Kreul, as it would greatly bolster their defensive end lineup for the upcoming year.

When you watch Kreul on film, his relentless hustle and incredible motor are evident, as he never stops playing—even if his helmet comes off. This is exactly the kind of effort that coaches admire and seek in their players. As a young edge rusher, he showcases advanced techniques and remarkable flexibility to maneuver past blockers. Kruel is a highly efficient mover, capable of planting and redirecting with minimal wasted motion; he plays with purpose.

His sophisticated playing style is reflected not only on the field but also in his statistics, where he recorded 39 tackles,12 TFL, 11 QB hurries, and 6 sacks over 9 games according to MaxPreps. He contributed to IMG Academy's impressive 7-2 record while facing a national schedule, limiting opponents to an average of 14.8 points per game. In 2025, he's been active in both the Under Armour All-America Game—where he recorded a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry—and the Polynesian Bowl (where he also had a sack and a tackle for loss). He was recognized as the 'Alpha Dog' by 247Sports at the Under Armour "Next" Camp in Miami.

Jake's relentless work ethic and advanced skill set would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the Longhorns defense. He would become the second edge rusher to commit, joining 4-star Richard Wesley. Just envision a 2026 edge rusher lineup featuring Colin Simmons, 2025 DE Landon Jackson, Richard Wesley, and potentially Jake Kruel. That would certainly create a formidable rotation capable of wreaking havoc in the SEC.