Wow.
It seemed – at least in my mind – that Nixa, Missouri five-star OT Jackson Cantwell was destined to join former Miami Hurricanes offensive line coach Stacy Searles in Athens as a Georgia Bulldog after he visited the SEC powerhouse over the weekend.
Well, it appeared Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal had something to say about that.
The duo kept working and managed to secure the commitment of the top overall recruit in the 2026 class on Tuesday afternoon. Cantwell made the announcement at his school with his mom and dad in attendance. After thanking teammates, teachers, coaches, and his family, he wasted no time, grabbing the Miami hat and revealing a Canes t-shirt.
BREAKING: Jackson Cantwell is taking his talents to The U!
The future just got brighter in Coral Gables — welcome to the Brotherhood, Jackson!#Committed #GoCanes #TheU pic.twitter.com/ARFAaOebQl— Through the eye pod (@pod_through) May 13, 2025
I don’t need to go into how impactful or powerful the commitment is. It’s one of the biggest Miami has ever secured. He’s a plug and play impact starter who will anchor one side of the line for years to come.
Cantwell said he will be an early enrollee in December, so he’ll get in a full offseason of spring ball to get ready for the 2026 season. He also commented on Cristobal and Mirabal’s track record of success with offensive linemen being a factor in his decision.
Without a doubt, Miami’s head coach having the background he does helped Miami out immensely here. Be excited, Canes fans. This is the kind of player that helps build championship-level rosters.
In the words of our great Cam Underwood, WELCOME TO THE U, JACKSON!