The No. 1 player in the Class of 2026 is heading to South Florida.
Jackson Cantwell, a towering offensive tackle from Nixa, Missouri, announced Tuesday that he will play his college football at the University of Miami. The 6-foot-7 lineman had his pick of top-tier programs, but he’s putting his trust in head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal to take his game to the next level.
Cantwell’s decision gives the Hurricanes a major win on the recruiting trail. According to 247Sports, he’s not only the top overall prospect in the 2026 class but also the second-highest rated recruit to commit to Miami since 2000. That’s no small boost for a program still trying to recapture its national relevance.
More Than Just Size
Cantwell brings more than just physical dominance. His athletic background runs deep, and it shows. He’s a decorated track and field athlete who holds a Missouri high school record in the discus and owns a state title in shot put. The talent clearly runs in the family. His father, Christian Cantwell, earned an Olympic silver medal in the shot put at the 2008 Summer Games. His mother, Teri Steer, competed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Five-Star Plus+ OT Jackson Cantwell has committed to Miami🙌
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 13, 2025
Cantwell is the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class.
More from @SWiltfong_: https://t.co/xNuzCurgqC pic.twitter.com/x21V0nBmoJ
On the football field, Jackson keeps adding to his already packed resume. He logged over 90 pancake blocks during his 2023 season at Nixa High School and topped 150 in 2024. That kind of dominance earned him Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year honors and a spot as a finalist for the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Those are rare accomplishments for an offensive lineman, especially one still in high school.
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Cantwell has long praised Cristobal and Mirabal, two coaches known for their work with offensive linemen. Miami needs a player like him now more than ever. With quarterback Cam Ward off to the NFL and lingering uncertainty at key spots, the Hurricanes have ground to cover before they can compete at the highest level. Landing Cantwell is a step in the right direction.
It’s early, but everything about Jackson Cantwell suggests he’s a rare talent. Whether he becomes the next Joe Thomas or forges a new path entirely, his journey officially starts in Coral Gables. Miami fans should pay close attention.
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