The Oregon Ducks are one of the finalists for class of 2026 five-star recruit Jackson Cantwell. Cantwell is set to make his commitment decision on Tuesday, May 13. The team that looks to be Oregon and coach Dan Lanning’s biggest threat to Cantwell is the Georgia Bulldogs.

Cantwell had an unofficial visit to Georgia over the weekend just a matter of days before his commitment date of May 13. Cantwell was originally supposed to announce his commitment in April, but he pushed back his decision to May.

Jackson Cantwell Meets Up With Jared Curtis

On his social media, Cantwell posted a picture of him with recent Georgia Bulldogs commit, five-star quarterback Jared Curtis. Like Cantwell, Curtis had both Georgia and Oregon among his finalists. On May 5, Curtis announced that he would be committing to Georgia over the Ducks.

Having Cantwell post a picture with Curtis while he was visiting Georgia just about 48 hours before his big announcement is not a great sign to see for Oregon Ducks fans. Curtis would no doubt love for the Bulldogs to add Cantwell as it would give him some elite protection on the offensive line for years to come.

The Oregon Ducks currently have the No. 15 ranked recruiting class for 2026 according to 247Sports. Oregon has received the commitments from eight players including five four-stars; athlete Kendre Harrison, edge rusher Richard Wesley, running back Tradarian Ball, defensive lineman Tony Cumberland, and linebacker Tristan Phillips.

The most recent of these recruits to commit to Oregon was five-star edge rusher Richard Wesley, who announced his commitment to Oregon on Saturday. If Oregon can end up landing Cantwell, he would be the Ducks’ highest commit in the 2026 recruiting class. This would also give Oregon another boost in the recruiting rankings.

The country awaits for where Cantwell will commit to and for good reason. The 6-7, 325 pound Cantwell out of Nixa, Missouri is rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class of 2026 per 247Sports. Cantwell is ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit in the country, making him one of the most highly coveted prospect in 2026.

In addition to being one of the best high school football players, Cantwell is also a State Champion in the shot put. He even won the 2023-2024 Gatorade Missouri Boys Track and Field Player of the Year,

Cantwell comes from a family of athletes. His father Christian Cantwell was a former Olympic thrower and won a silver medal in the shot put at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. His mother Teri Steer is also a former Olympian and participated in the shot put at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games.

The Georgia Bulldogs are making a strong push for five-star quarterback Jackson Cantwell, a highly coveted recruit who is also attracting interest from the Oregon Ducks. Cantwell, widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class, has garnered attention for his impressive arm talent, mobility, and football IQ. The Bulldogs’ recruitment efforts reflect their commitment to securing elite talent at the quarterback position to maintain their competitive edge and sustain their winning tradition. Georgia’s coaching staff has been actively engaging with Cantwell through visits, virtual meetings, and personalized outreach, emphasizing their program’s success in developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks and their ability to provide a winning environment both on and off the field.

Jackson Cantwell’s recruitment is particularly intriguing because of the fierce competition from Oregon, which has also made him a priority target. Oregon’s innovative offense and reputation for developing quarterbacks have made them a formidable contender, and the Ducks are pitching their program as a pathway to early playing time and national exposure. The rivalry between Georgia and Oregon adds an extra layer of excitement to the recruitment process, with each school highlighting their respective strengths: Georgia’s proven track record of championships and NFL production versus Oregon’s offensive innovation and player development.

Georgia’s pitch to Cantwell centers around their proven offensive system, which has produced multiple NFL quarterbacks, and their commitment to maximizing a quarterback’s potential through top-tier coaching and resources. The Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator, along with the head coach, have emphasized how Cantwell fits their long-term plans, showcasing their desire to bring in a quarterback who can lead the team to future titles. Meanwhile, Oregon’s approach emphasizes their offensive scheme, which has gained national recognition for its creativity and success, promising Cantwell a chance to shine in a dynamic, high-powered attack.

The recruitment process remains fluid, with Cantwell taking official visits to both programs and weighing his options carefully. He has expressed admiration for Georgia’s tradition of excellence and their ability to develop NFL talent, along with Oregon’s innovative offense and the opportunity for immediate impact. Personal relationships with coaches and the vision each program offers for his future are likely significant factors in his decision-making process.

In the broader context, Cantwell’s commitment is seen as a potential game-changer for whichever program secures his signature. For Georgia, landing a five-star quarterback like Cantwell would continue their streak of elite quarterback recruiting and could be pivotal in maintaining their national championship aspirations. For Oregon, securing a player of Cantwell’s caliber would bolster their offensive outlook and demonstrate their ongoing competitiveness in recruiting top-tier talent.

As the 2024 recruiting cycle progresses, all eyes will be on Cantwell’s decision, which could come soon given his high profile and the importance of securing quarterback talent early in the process. Both Georgia and Oregon are expected to continue their pursuit vigorously, knowing that signing Cantwell could significantly influence their future success and national standing. Ultimately, whichever program wins the race for Jackson Cantwell will gain not just a talented quarterback but also a symbol of their program’s ambition and ability to attract elite prospects.