Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, has confirmed his college commitment date, set for May 13, 2025, sending ripples through the college football recruiting landscape. The 6-foot-8, 300-pound offensive tackle from Nixa High School in Missouri is a generational talent, drawing comparisons to elite linemen due to his size, athleticism, and technical prowess. His decision, announced live on Nixa Football’s YouTube channel, is one of the most anticipated in recent recruiting cycles, with Georgia, Oregon, Miami, and Ohio State vying for his pledge. Adding intrigue to the saga is Cantwell’s close friendship with Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class and a recent Georgia commit, who has actively recruited Cantwell to join him in Athens.
Cantwell’s recruitment has been a high-stakes battle, with each program offering unique appeals. Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has emerged as the frontrunner, bolstered by Curtis’ commitment on May 5, 2025, and Cantwell’s final visit to Athens over the weekend. The Bulldogs have never signed both the No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 offensive tackle in the same cycle under Smart, making this a historic opportunity. Curtis, a Nashville native with 7,637 passing yards and 130 touchdowns in high school, has been vocal about wanting Cantwell to protect his blindside, posting on social media with captions like “JC x JC?” and “Let’s get it done @jcantwell2499!! Go Dawgs!” These public gestures, coupled with private conversations, highlight their bond and shared vision of leading Georgia to a national championship.
Oregon, led by coach Dan Lanning, remains a strong contender, leveraging its robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources. Cantwell previously named Lanning his “favorite” coach, and Oregon’s innovative offensive schemes appeal to his skill set. Miami, reportedly offering the highest NIL package—potentially exceeding Cantwell’s $1.5 million valuation—has recruited him aggressively, with coach Mario Cristobal emphasizing NFL development. Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse, rounds out the finalists, though recent momentum favors Georgia and Oregon.
Cantwell’s visit to Athens was pivotal. Accompanied by Curtis, who initiated the trip to recruit him, Cantwell dined with Smart and posted cryptic messages hinting at a decision. On3’s Steve Wiltfong and other insiders predict Georgia will secure Cantwell, citing the Bulldogs’ NFL pipeline and Curtis’ influence. However, financial considerations loom large. Georgia’s NIL offer reportedly falls below Miami’s and possibly Oregon’s, which could sway Cantwell if he prioritizes earnings.
The stakes are immense. For Georgia, pairing Cantwell with Curtis could anchor the 2026 class, currently ranked No. 10 nationally, and solidify their offensive line, which already includes four-star commits. For Oregon, losing both Curtis and Cantwell would sting, though they’ve secured other five-stars like edge rusher Richard Wesley. Miami and Ohio State see Cantwell as a cornerstone for their future lines.
As Cantwell’s announcement nears, the college football world watches closely. His decision will not only shape his legacy but also redefine the recruiting landscape, with Curtis’ friendship potentially tipping the scales toward Georgia.
