Ohio State football is pursuing another highly rated 2026 offensive tackle: Buckeye Breakfast
In the world of college football, recruiting is as much about building for the present as it is about preparing for the future. For Ohio State, one of the most prominent and successful football programs in the country, the 2026 recruiting class is already shaping up to be a critical one, particularly along the offensive line. The Buckeyes are focused on securing commitments from some of the nation’s top talent, including a highly sought-after 2026 offensive tackle who could be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.
As part of Ohio State’s ongoing efforts to remain competitive in both the Big Ten and national recruiting wars, the team is pursuing several standout offensive tackle prospects in the 2026 class. The importance of the offensive line cannot be overstated, as it is one of the key components to both a successful running game and a high-powered passing attack. To maintain its reputation as a program capable of competing at the highest levels, Ohio State must continue to recruit elite talent at every position, especially up front.
One of the most highly rated 2026 offensive tackle prospects currently on Ohio State’s radar is Jackson Cantwell, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound powerhouse from Missouri who is already regarded as one of the top players in the entire 2026 class. Cantwell’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism has made him a hot commodity, and his recruitment is expected to be a major storyline for the Buckeyes as they look to add to their already impressive roster of offensive linemen.
The Importance of Offensive Line Recruiting at Ohio State
Ohio State has built a reputation for developing some of the best offensive linemen in the country, and this reputation is a big part of what makes the program so attractive to recruits. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have produced a steady stream of NFL-caliber offensive linemen, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the league. Ohio State has also consistently fielded some of the most potent offenses in the country, and much of that success starts with the offensive line.
The Buckeyes’ offensive line has long been one of the pillars of their success. Players like Paris Johnson Jr., Wyatt Davis, and Nick Petit-Frere have paved the way for standout quarterbacks like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, while also opening up running lanes for talented backs like J.K. Dobbins and TreVeyon Henderson. With the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals reshaping the landscape of college football, Ohio State has adapted and maintained its dominance in recruiting, ensuring that it remains a premier destination for top-tier offensive linemen.
The Rise of Jackson Cantwell
As one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2026 class, Jackson Cantwell has been generating buzz for his incredible size, athleticism, and potential at the collegiate level. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Cantwell has the ideal frame for a future NFL offensive tackle, and he combines that with impressive mobility and agility for a player of his size.
Cantwell’s ability to move well in space is one of the key reasons that he is so highly rated. His athleticism allows him to excel both as a run blocker and a pass protector, and he has the versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line if needed. His impressive highlight tapes show him taking on some of the top competition in the country and dominating both in the run game and in pass protection. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s fast-paced offense, which places a premium on both pass protection and the ability to create running lanes for the running backs.
Cantwell hails from Kirkwood, Missouri, where he has been a standout on his high school team. He has quickly become one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, with his recruitment heating up over the past several months. Along with Ohio State, Cantwell has received interest from a number of other top-tier programs, including Missouri, Georgia, Oregon, Michigan, and Miami. These schools have all been actively pursuing Cantwell, and his decision is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated in the 2026 class.
Ohio State’s Pursuit of Cantwell
Ohio State’s pursuit of Jackson Cantwell is emblematic of the program’s commitment to maintaining its success along the offensive line. The Buckeyes have already made a name for themselves in offensive line development, and Cantwell represents the next potential star in that lineage. Ohio State has always prided itself on developing offensive linemen who not only protect the quarterback but also help establish a dominant running game. For a program with designs on national championships, having a strong offensive line is non-negotiable.
The Buckeyes have been in regular communication with Cantwell throughout his recruitment, and the team has emphasized its ability to develop him into a top NFL prospect. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye, has a proven track record of getting the most out of offensive linemen, and they have worked to make Cantwell feel like a priority. The program’s success with players like Paris Johnson Jr., who was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is a strong selling point for Ohio State in their recruitment of Cantwell.
In addition to their pitch about development and success, Ohio State has also highlighted its facilities, fan support, and competitive environment. The Buckeyes are one of the premier programs in college football, and for a player like Cantwell, the opportunity to play in a program with national title aspirations each year is an attractive prospect. Ohio State’s offensive line has long been a major strength of the program, and Cantwell would have the opportunity to be a key piece of that success for years to come.
Competition for Cantwell’s Commitment
While Ohio State is certainly a strong contender for Cantwell’s commitment, the Buckeyes face stiff competition from several other schools. Missouri, Cantwell’s home-state program, has made a strong push to keep him in-state, and the Tigers will be hard to beat on that front. The ability to stay close to home and play for a program that is on the rise under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz could be a compelling option for Cantwell.
Other programs like Georgia, Oregon, and Michigan also present significant challenges for Ohio State in Cantwell’s recruitment. Each of these schools has made offensive line development a major priority, and they all have strong recruiting pitches when it comes to their ability to prepare players for the NFL. In addition, these schools are all capable of offering Cantwell a competitive program that is consistently in the hunt for national championships.
That being said, Ohio State’s track record of success and its reputation as a pipeline to the NFL may ultimately give the Buckeyes the edge. Cantwell will likely weigh his options carefully before making his decision, and the next several months will be crucial in shaping his recruitment.
The Bigger Picture: Ohio State’s Offensive Line in 2026
Cantwell is far from the only offensive tackle that Ohio State is targeting in the 2026 class. The Buckeyes are actively recruiting other high-profile offensive line prospects, including Kelvin Obot, Claude Mpouma, and Deacon Schmitt. With an eye toward the future, Ohio State is looking to build a well-rounded and versatile offensive line that will be able to compete at the highest levels of college football.
Recruiting multiple offensive tackles in the same class is a strategy that ensures the team will have options at the position and helps prevent any gaps from emerging in future rosters. Offensive tackle is one of the most important positions on the field, and Ohio State understands the value of securing top-tier talent at the position. The Buckeyes’ success in recent years has been a product of strong line play, and they are committed to continuing that tradition in the 2026 class.
