Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the Class of 2026, has officially confirmed his commitment to the Miami Hurricanes, marking a significant moment in college football recruiting [A](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/no-1-ot-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami-as-hurricanes-win-heated-recruiting-battle-over-georgia-oregon/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic3Nwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL25ld3NcL25vLTEtb3QtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pLWFzLWh1cnJpY2FuZXMtd2luLWhlYXRlZC1yZWNydWl0aW5nLWJhdHRsZS1vdmVyLWdlb3JnaWEtb3JlZ29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His decision comes after a highly competitive battle among top programs, including Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State, all vying for his talents [B](https://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/05/13/jackson-cantwell-commitment-football-prospect-recruiting-georgia-uga-ohio-state-miami-oregon/83099866007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm5ld3MtbGVhZGVyLmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvaGlnaC1zY2hvb2xcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xM1wvamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRtZW50LWZvb3RiYWxsLXByb3NwZWN0LXJlY3J1aXRpbmctZ2VvcmdpYS11Z2Etb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1taWFtaS1vcmVnb25cLzgzMDk5ODY2MDA3XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Cantwell, a towering 6-foot-8, 320-pound lineman from Nixa High School in Missouri, has been one of the most sought-after prospects in the country [C](https://miami.rivals.com/news/no-1-overall-2026-prospect-ol-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbWlhbWkucml2YWxzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvbm8tMS1vdmVyYWxsLTIwMjYtcHJvc3BlY3Qtb2wtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His close friendship with Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the class and a Georgia commit, had fueled speculation that he might follow Curtis to Athens. However, Miami managed to secure his commitment, largely due to the influence of head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal [B](https://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/05/13/jackson-cantwell-commitment-football-prospect-recruiting-georgia-uga-ohio-state-miami-oregon/83099866007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm5ld3MtbGVhZGVyLmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvaGlnaC1zY2hvb2xcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xM1wvamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRtZW50LWZvb3RiYWxsLXByb3NwZWN0LXJlY3J1aXRpbmctZ2VvcmdpYS11Z2Etb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1taWFtaS1vcmVnb25cLzgzMDk5ODY2MDA3XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Cristobal and Mirabal have built a reputation for developing elite offensive linemen, a factor that played a crucial role in Cantwell’s decision [C](https://miami.rivals.com/news/no-1-overall-2026-prospect-ol-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbWlhbWkucml2YWxzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvbm8tMS1vdmVyYWxsLTIwMjYtcHJvc3BlY3Qtb2wtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The Hurricanes have produced several NFL-caliber linemen in recent years, including Penei Sewell, who became the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league last year [C](https://miami.rivals.com/news/no-1-overall-2026-prospect-ol-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJteXlQZWpkbjhUQmZYSFlKWG05SEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbWlhbWkucml2YWxzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvbm8tMS1vdmVyYWxsLTIwMjYtcHJvc3BlY3Qtb2wtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Cantwell himself acknowledged the importance of Miami’s emphasis on offensive line development, stating that he was drawn to their commitment to prioritizing linemen [B](https://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/05/13/jackson-cantwell-commitment-football-prospect-recruiting-georgia-uga-ohio-state-miami-oregon/83099866007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJteXlQZWpkbjhUQmZYSFlKWG05SEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm5ld3MtbGVhZGVyLmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvaGlnaC1zY2hvb2xcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xM1wvamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRtZW50LWZvb3RiYWxsLXByb3NwZWN0LXJlY3J1aXRpbmctZ2VvcmdpYS11Z2Etb2hpby1zdGF0ZS1taWFtaS1vcmVnb25cLzgzMDk5ODY2MDA3XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Miami’s recruitment of Cantwell was not without drama. Georgia was widely considered the favorite leading up to his decision, especially after he visited Athens on May 10 [A](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/no-1-ot-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami-as-hurricanes-win-heated-recruiting-battle-over-georgia-oregon/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic3Nwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL25ld3NcL25vLTEtb3QtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pLWFzLWh1cnJpY2FuZXMtd2luLWhlYXRlZC1yZWNydWl0aW5nLWJhdHRsZS1vdmVyLWdlb3JnaWEtb3JlZ29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, Miami’s persistence paid off, with Cristobal and Mirabal making multiple visits to Missouri to strengthen their relationship with Cantwell [C](https://miami.rivals.com/news/no-1-overall-2026-prospect-ol-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbWlhbWkucml2YWxzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvbm8tMS1vdmVyYWxsLTIwMjYtcHJvc3BlY3Qtb2wtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, Miami reportedly prepared a lucrative NIL package worth over $2 million during his college career, with Miami-based agent Drew Rosenhaus representing him [C](https://miami.rivals.com/news/no-1-overall-2026-prospect-ol-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoibXl5UGVqZG44VEJmWEhZSlhtOUhEIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbWlhbWkucml2YWxzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvbm8tMS1vdmVyYWxsLTIwMjYtcHJvc3BlY3Qtb2wtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Beyond football, Cantwell is an exceptional athlete with a background in track and field. He is a two-time Missouri Class 5A State Champion in the shot put and was named the 2023-24 Gatorade Missouri Boys Track & Field Player of the Year [A](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/no-1-ot-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami-as-hurricanes-win-heated-recruiting-battle-over-georgia-oregon/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJteXlQZWpkbjhUQmZYSFlKWG05SEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic3Nwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL25ld3NcL25vLTEtb3QtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pLWFzLWh1cnJpY2FuZXMtd2luLWhlYXRlZC1yZWNydWl0aW5nLWJhdHRsZS1vdmVyLWdlb3JnaWEtb3JlZ29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a formidable prospect for Miami’s offensive line.
Cantwell’s commitment is a massive win for Miami, as he becomes the first five-star offensive lineman to commit to the Hurricanes since 2023 [A](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/no-1-ot-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami-as-hurricanes-win-heated-recruiting-battle-over-georgia-oregon/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJteXlQZWpkbjhUQmZYSFlKWG05SEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoid2VtUG4za00yczFtVlJ2dWIzMVpYIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNic3Nwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL25ld3NcL25vLTEtb3QtamFja3Nvbi1jYW50d2VsbC1jb21taXRzLXRvLW1pYW1pLWFzLWh1cnJpY2FuZXMtd2luLWhlYXRlZC1yZWNydWl0aW5nLWJhdHRsZS1vdmVyLWdlb3JnaWEtb3JlZ29uXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His addition boosts Miami’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 9 in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings, reinforcing their push for another top-10 class [A](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/no-1-ot-jackson-cantwell-commits-to-miami-as-hurricanes-win-heated-recruiting-battle-over-georgia-oregon/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cuY2Jzc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3c1wvbm8tMS1vdC1qYWNrc29uLWNhbnR3ZWxsLWNvbW1pdHMtdG8tbWlhbWktYXMtaHVycmljYW5lcy13aW4taGVhdGVkLXJlY3J1aXRpbmctYmF0dGxlLW92ZXItZ2VvcmdpYS1vcmVnb25cLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJ3ZW1QbjNrTTJzMW1WUnZ1YjMxWlgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJteXlQZWpkbjhUQmZYSFlKWG05SEQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
With Cantwell now officially part of Miami’s future, the Hurricanes have secured a cornerstone player who could make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His decision also signals Miami’s growing influence in recruiting battles against traditional powerhouses like Georgia and Ohio State. As he prepares to take his talents to Coral Gables, all eyes will be on Cantwell to see how he develops under Cristobal’s guidance and whether he can live up to the immense expectations surrounding his career.
