Jackson Cantwell Announces Commitment to Miami Hurricanes Over Georgia and Oregon
In a monumental development for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s top recruit for the 2026 college football class, has announced his commitment to play for Miami, choosing the Hurricanes over powerhouse programs Georgia and Oregon. Cantwell, a 6-foot-8, 316-pound offensive tackle from Nixa, Missouri, is widely regarded as a generational talent in both football and track and field. His decision marks a significant victory for head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff, who have been relentless in their pursuit of elite offensive line talent.
Cantwell’s athletic pedigree is exceptional. The son of Olympic shot putters Christian Cantwell and Teri Steer, he has been immersed in elite athletics from a young age. By age 12, he had already broken the AAU national shot put record for his age group, and he later set world records in both shot put and discus throw for the 12- and 13-year-old categories. In high school, he became the starter on the football team as a freshman, earning MaxPreps first-team freshman All-American honors. He also won the Missouri state shot put championship as a freshman with a toss of over 64 feet. In 2024, Cantwell broke the national sophomore record in shot put with a toss of 74.975 feet and later won the high school national championship, beating out second place by over five feet. He was named the Gatorade Missouri boys track and field player of the year. As a junior in football, Cantwell recorded 158 pancake blocks and helped Nixa finish second in the Missouri Class 6, earning the Springfield News-Leader player of the year, the Gatorade Missouri player of the year, and one of three finalists for the national Gatorade player of the year award.
Cantwell’s recruitment was a closely watched affair, with over 30 scholarship offers from top programs across the country. He narrowed his choices to a final six: Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio State, and Oregon. Throughout the process, Miami emerged as a strong contender, thanks in large part to the influence of head coach Mario Cristobal, a former offensive lineman known for his emphasis on developing elite offensive line talent. Cantwell has expressed admiration for Cristobal’s approach, stating, “It’s the biggest selling point, honestly. What (Cristobal) does for the O-line room can’t be understated.” (SI)
In May 2025, Cantwell took an official visit to Miami, which further solidified his interest in the program. He was impressed by the campus, the student life, and, notably, the offensive line development program. The visit left a lasting impression, and Cantwell’s commitment to Miami followed shortly thereafter.
Cantwell’s commitment is a game-changer for Miami’s football program. His addition bolsters an already impressive offensive line unit and provides a cornerstone for future success. The Hurricanes have been building momentum in recruiting, and securing a commitment from the top recruit in the nation is a testament to the program’s resurgence under Cristobal’s leadership.
Furthermore, Cantwell’s dual-sport prowess adds an exciting dimension to his profile. His background in track and field, particularly in the shot put and discus, showcases his exceptional strength and athleticism—qualities that will undoubtedly translate to the football field. His potential to excel in both arenas could set a new standard for multi-sport athletes at the collegiate level.
With Cantwell’s commitment, Miami has secured a foundational piece for its future offensive line. As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, Cantwell’s decision is likely to influence other top recruits to consider the Hurricanes as a destination for their talents. The momentum generated by this commitment could propel Miami back into national prominence, both on the field and in the recruiting landscape.
As Cantwell prepares to join the Hurricanes, all eyes will be on his development and impact on the program. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of Miami’s offensive line for years to come.
