Jackson Cantwell Decides When Miami, Oregon, UGA, and Ohio State Will Commit
In the hyper-competitive world of college football recruiting, the race to land elite offensive linemen is often where national title dreams begin or end. This spring and summer, all eyes are on one young man: Jackson Cantwell.
Hailing from Nixa, Missouri, Cantwell is not only the consensus No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2026 class, but he’s also widely regarded as the most physically dominant lineman prospect in recent memory. At 6-foot-8, 315 pounds, with elite strength and footwork, Cantwell has drawn comparisons to NFL All-Pros before his junior year of high school is even complete. His recruitment has drawn national attention, and now, after narrowing his list, he’s set his visit schedule with a handful of top contenders: Miami, Oregon, Georgia, and Ohio State.
While each of these programs offers its own pitch and pedigree, the real story lies in how Cantwell is methodically planning his future—balancing football, academics, and even a secondary sport, track and field, where he’s already making history.
The Rising Star from Nixa
Cantwell’s meteoric rise in recruiting circles has been anything but accidental. The son of Olympic shot putter Christian Cantwell, Jackson was practically born into athletic greatness. And it shows.
On the football field, he dominates at left tackle, stonewalling defenders with a rare combination of size, strength, leverage, and balance. In track and field, he recently set the national sophomore record in the shot put with a throw of 74.975 feet. That mark alone would earn him a college scholarship—before factoring in his status as the top football prospect of his class.
Cantwell’s recruitment has been closely followed not just because of his ability, but because of how carefully he’s approached the process. “I’m not trying to rush anything,” Cantwell told recruiting outlets this spring. “I want to make the best decision for my future—on and off the field.”
Final Six and Key Visits
Jackson Cantwell’s final six schools include Georgia, Michigan, Miami, Missouri, Ohio State, and Oregon. But among those, four visits in particular have caught the attention of analysts and fans: Miami (May 9–11), Missouri (May 31–June 2), Georgia (June 6–8), Michigan (June 13–15), and Oregon (June 22–24). Ohio State’s visit date is still pending, but remains likely before a final commitment is made.
Let’s break down what each major contender brings to the table—and what Cantwell is looking for on each stop.
Miami Hurricanes (May 9–11)
The Pitch: Player Development and Mario Cristobal’s O-line Focus
If there’s a dark horse with a serious shot in Cantwell’s recruitment, it’s Miami. Head coach Mario Cristobal has personally taken the lead, selling Cantwell on a culture of discipline and player development. Cristobal, a former offensive lineman himself, has turned Miami into an offensive line-friendly destination, aided by offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.
Cantwell has publicly praised the Hurricanes for their developmental focus. “What stands out to me is how much effort they put into developing linemen,” Cantwell said earlier this spring. “Coach Cristobal knows what it takes, and he’s been very involved.”
Miami also offers Cantwell the chance to be a foundational piece of a rebuild in a major market with national exposure. NIL opportunities are plentiful, and the commitment to track and field could be a bonus, with solid facilities and coaching.
Georgia Bulldogs (June 6–8)
The Pitch: Championship Culture and Stacy Searels’ Coaching
When it comes to developing NFL linemen, Georgia is in a league of its own. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have produced a long list of Day 1 draft picks, and offensive line coach Stacy Searels has emerged as a personal favorite of Cantwell.
“Coach Searels is a technician,” Cantwell noted. “When I talk to him, I feel like I get better just listening.”
Georgia’s ability to turn elite linemen into first-rounders while competing for national titles every year is the ultimate recruiting weapon. Add to that Athens’ top-tier academic support and strong track and field program, and Georgia checks nearly every box for Cantwell.
The Bulldogs also offer something intangible: the chance to be part of a dynasty. For a player who wants to compete at the highest level every day, it’s a hard offer to beat.
Oregon Ducks (June 22–24)
The Pitch: A Missouri Connection and Balance Between Sports
Head coach Dan Lanning has done more than just keep Oregon nationally relevant—he’s brought the Ducks to the doorstep of a College Football Playoff berth. And for Jackson Cantwell, Lanning holds extra significance: both men are Missouri natives.
“That connection is real,” Cantwell said recently. “Coach Lanning is down to earth and really believes in developing his players. Plus, he gets where I’m from.”
Oregon’s pitch revolves around being a place where Cantwell can thrive athletically, academically, and personally. The Ducks have cutting-edge training and recovery facilities, a rapidly improving offensive line, and a strong track and field program that respects dual-sport athletes.
The emphasis on total athlete wellness and flexibility might be what sets Oregon apart for someone like Cantwell, who isn’t just looking to block defensive ends—he wants to launch shot puts and build his brand in the process.
Ohio State Buckeyes (Date TBD)
The Pitch: Legacy, Development, and Big-Time Football
Even with the recent departure of offensive line coach Justin Frye, Ohio State has stayed squarely in the hunt for Cantwell’s services. Why? Because of what the Buckeyes offer in every other category.
Ohio State is consistently in the playoff mix, has a massive national fanbase, and puts offensive linemen in the NFL with impressive regularity. Cantwell has visited Columbus before and came away impressed with the football culture and campus environment.
“I’ve been there and felt the energy,” Cantwell said. “It’s a place where you know football matters.”
New O-line coach Bill Bedell has some work to do to reestablish rapport, but the Buckeyes remain a serious contender. If Ohio State can schedule a compelling official visit and connect with Cantwell on a personal level, they’ll be in it until the end.
The X-Factor: Track and Field Aspirations
Not to be overlooked is Jackson Cantwell’s prowess in track and field. With his record-setting throw as a sophomore, he’s not just participating—he’s dominating. Every school in the running knows that his interest in continuing his shot put career matters in this decision.
Georgia and Oregon, in particular, have historically strong track programs that could allow Cantwell to flourish in both sports. The chance to compete at the NCAA level in two disciplines is something few players can dream of, and Cantwell may be among them.
“I love track,” Cantwell admitted in a recent interview. “It’s not just a side hobby. I want to keep throwing.”
For that reason, schools that are willing to accommodate a multi-sport athlete and provide the resources to do both successfully will earn extra points.
What’s Next?
Jackson Cantwell’s recruitment timeline is becoming clearer. With official visits lined up from May to June, it’s likely that a decision could come late summer or early fall—after he’s had time to absorb each campus and evaluate his future.
Unlike some elite prospects who commit early to secure their spot or take advantage of NIL, Cantwell is methodically taking his time. He wants to build relationships, see coaching staffs in action, and determine where he fits—not just as a player, but as a student and athlete in two sports.
Recruiting insiders believe Missouri could still be a serious wildcard, with the hometown appeal and family ties. But if recent comments and scheduling are any indication, Miami, Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State have set themselves up for a four-way heavyweight fight down the stretch.
A Decision That Could Shape College Football’s Trenches
In a world where quarterbacks and skill players often dominate the recruiting headlines, Jackson Cantwell is reminding everyone that football still starts in the trenches.
His upcoming commitment—whether it’s to Georgia’s proven machine, Oregon’s athlete-first innovation, Miami’s developmental focus, or Ohio State’s legacy—isn’t just about one school getting a five-star player. It’s about acquiring a generational talent who could be the foundation of a national championship run.
And as Cantwell takes the next few months to make his choice, the rest of the college football world will be watching.
