Jackson Cantwell, nation’s top prospect, picks Miami over Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State

The nation’s top prospect in the Class of 2026 has made a decision. Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell out of Nixa (Mo.) High School is headed to Miami, he announced in a ceremony at his school Tuesday afternoon.

Cantwell, the highest-rated offensive lineman of the modern recruiting era, picked the Hurricanes over Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State. He always figured he’d play somewhere in the SEC or Big Ten, but has been adamant for the past several months that Miami would be in the mix. Now he’s headed to Coral Gables, and coach Mario Cristobal — already known as a strong recruiter — has picked up arguably the biggest off-field win of his career.

“I think relationships won out in the end,” Cantwell said after his announcement. “I know (offensive line) coach (Alex) Mirabal and coach Cristobal, who — coach Mirabal’s right over here — they’ve spent so much time recruiting me over the past year. They’ve spent so much time checking in with me, they’ve texted me every day. We’ve talked so much about offensive line development, what my potential there is at the U, and I think their history with guys like Penei Sewell, Francis Mauigoa and some of those guys from recent (memory), I just feel like it’s a place I can develop and be something great. And even if football weren’t to go my way, I like Coral Gables a lot. I like the university and I’d love to go study there, as well.”

Cantwell originally planned to issue a commitment on April 30, but delayed his decision for a few weeks as he continued to search for clarity. He visited Oregon in late April and took a trip to Georgia last weekend, and coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs were believed to be the favorite.

But Cantwell, who is represented by Rosenhaus Sports, opted for Miami, which has been aggressive with its name, image and likeness offerings, both with transfers and high school recruits.

“It’s just a blessing to get paid to play the game that I love,” Cantwell said.

“He’s dominated on the field since he was a ninth grader,” said John Perry, the head coach at Nixa High. “From the first time I saw him when he was, I guess, in the seventh grade, a long, lengthy tight end, I thought, ‘Eh, maybe.’ And then I met Dad. I don’t know if he remembers. I met Dad in a barbecue restaurant. And y’all know how parents are. They’re like, ‘Man my son’s a big kid. Might be something one day.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’ve heard that a few times, right?’ But as it turned out, he did turn out to be something and something really special. He has earned every single bit of this. He’s done everything in the world to give himself the opportunity to be in this situation.”

Cantwell is Miami’s first top-100 prospect and 10th overall commit in the 2026 class. He is the Canes’ fourth offensive line commit, joining four-star tackle Ben Congdon, three-star tackle Joel Ervin and three-star interior lineman J.J. Sparks.

“You have no idea how much of a load just got lifted off my shoulders,” Cantwell said. “I am so glad it’s done. Thankful for the process, but I’m glad it’s done.”

(Photo: Nathan Papes / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)