๐ฅ Breaking: Top Football Recruit Jackson Cantwell Chooses Miami Over Georgia and Nebraska
In a big win for the Miami Hurricanes, ESPN reports that Jackson Cantwell, one of the nationโs top high school football recruits, has committed to the University of Miami. He chose the Hurricanes over major programs like Georgia and Nebraska, ending a highly competitive recruitment.
Who Is Jackson Cantwell?
Cantwell is a five-star offensive tackle from Nixa High School in Missouri. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 315 pounds, heโs ranked as the No.โฏ1 offensive tackle and the No.โฏ3 overall player in the class of 2026 by ESPN.
Heโs known for his rare mix of size, strength, and techniqueโmaking him one of the most game-ready linemen in recent memory.
Football isnโt his only strength. Jackson comes from an elite athletic background. His parents, Christian Cantwell and Teri Steer, were both Olympic shot-putters. That natural athleticism shows in how he moves on the field.
The Recruiting Battle
Several top programs were in the hunt. Georgia brought him in for a visit in May, and Oregon made a strong push just before his decision. Nebraska was also considered a serious contender.
But in the end, Miami won out. The Hurricanes offered the full package: strong academics, a vibrant campus life, and a reported NIL deal worth over $2 million per year. That kind of offerโcombined with early playing opportunitiesโwas hard to pass up.
What This Means for Miami
This is one of the biggest recruiting victories for head coach Mario Cristobal since he arrived in 2021. Cantwell becomes the highest-ranked offensive lineman to commit under his leadership.
Heโll join a talented group that already includes former five-star linemen Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola. Adding Cantwell helps solidify Miamiโs offensive line for the futureโand sends a message that top talent wants to play in Coral Gables.
What Cantwell Said
After making his decision, Cantwell shared his thoughts:
โI believe Miami is a good place to live and study. There’s a lot of good things going for them.โ
Heโs expected to officially sign during the next national signing period and could compete for early playing time as a true freshman.
Bottom Line
Miami just landed a future star. With Cantwell in the fold, the Hurricanes are building a powerful offensive lineโand making a strong case for national relevance in the coming years.