James Carpenter (born May 31, 2001) is an American professional football defensive tackle. He played college football for the James Madison Dukes and Indiana Hoosiers.
Carpenter attended Roanoke Catholic School in Roanoke, Virginia. He committed to play college football for the James Madison Dukes, joining the team as a walk-on.
During his first three seasons from 2019 through 2021, Carpenter appeared in 16 games with 13 starts, where he totaled 36 tackles with seven and a half being for a loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, and an interception. In 2022, he tallied 51 tackles with 11.5 being for a loss, five and a half sacks, and three pass deflections. In week two of the 2023 season, Carpenter notched four tackles with one and a half being for a loss, and a pass deflection, in a win over Virginia. In week seven, he recorded an interception in a 41âÂÂ13 win over Georgia Southern. Carpenter finished the 2023 season starting all 13 games for James Madison, where he notched 53 tackles with nine being for a loss, four sacks, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Carpenter was named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.
Carpenter transferred to play for the Indiana Hoosiers. For his performance during the 2024 season, he was once again named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy.
On April 27, 2025, Carpenter signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
On January 14, 2026, Carpenter was selected by the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL).