5-Star Jackson Cantwell Gets Major Update on College Football Future Destination After Ryan Day’s Recent Push

Jackson Cantwell might not be ready to make a final decision just yet, but he’s certainly keeping his options open—and Ohio State Buckeyes made sure to roll out the red carpet. The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class spent two days in Columbus, soaking in everything the Buckeyes had to offer. And if first impressions mean anything, it’s safe to say OSU made its mark. Cantwell posted photos from his visit, including one where head coach Ryan Day himself stood in as the “H” to complete the classic “O-H-I-O” sign alongside the Cantwell family. But Ohio State isn’t alone in that sentiment, and as Cantwell’s whirlwind spring tour wrapped up, the recruiting race only got hotter.

“Had a great time at Ohio State over the last two days!” Cantwell tweeted on March 22, capping off what many viewed as a pivotal visit for the Buckeyes’ chances of landing him. But while OSU undoubtedly made a strong impression, there’s still a long way to go. On3’s Steve Wiltfong provided a fresh update on the five-star tackle’s ongoing recruitment, breaking down which schools are truly in the mix. “The Nixa High’s five-star finished his spring swing on Sunday, wrapping up at Michigan, that came after trips to Miami first then Ohio State,” Wiltfong reported. “I still believe Georgia is the program setting the pace in this recruitment, but they have a lot of competition as you can see.” He’s not wrong—Michigan Wolverines is still a frontrunner, Oregon remains in play, and Miami is making a serious push. And while Cantwell didn’t visit Eugene this spring, that’s only because he’s already locked in an official visit for later in the process.

The Hurricanes, though, are the program gaining the most momentum right now. “Miami. They’re the program that stock is rising in this recruitment after taking this spring visit,” Wiltfong added. Jackson Cantwell had already been to Coral Gables in the fall to see Miami play, but this time, he got a much deeper look at the program.

“This was a more in-depth look at the Hurricanes program where he got a chance to spend time with Mario Cristobal, offensive line coach Coach Mirabal, and the staff and see why they’ve had so much success getting true freshman offensive linemen on the field and ready to play,” Wiltfong explained. And when Cristobal sells offensive line development, they have real proof to back it up. “Guys like Penei Sewell and most recently Francis Mauigoa—they love the way that they install the offensive line play, the way they coach him on the field,” he continued.

Miami’s message is clear: if you’re an elite offensive lineman, this is the place to be. NIL is relevant in any recruitment of a top-ranked player, but Wiltfong made it clear it won’t be the deciding factor for Cantwell. “When you’re the number one player in the country, it’s certainly relevant, and when it comes to the Hurricanes and Jackson Cantwell, that is not an area where they’re going to lose.”

Ohio State, meanwhile, isn’t giving up without a fight. They’re working hard to secure an official visit, and while that’s not locked in yet, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves well. Cantwell’s visit to Columbus this weekend clearly left a positive impression, but now it’s about turning that into something more concrete. Day and his staff understand that elite offensive tackles are the backbone of championship teams, and they’re making that case to Cantwell.

While OSU continues to chase Cantwell, they’re also making strides elsewhere on the recruiting trail. Just recently, they landed a verbal commitment from Sam Greer, a four-star offensive tackle from Akron. He’s the No. 188 overall prospect and No. 17 tackle in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. Greer is a strong addition, but landing Cantwell would be a game-changer.

Jackson Cantwell, for his part, is keeping his cards close to the vest. As much as schools are pulling him in different directions, he still has one more season to play at Nixa High in Missouri. He’s already cemented his reputation, earning Gatorade’s 2024-25 Missouri Football Player of the Year, but there’s still unfinished business at the high school level.

And while Ohio State fans would love to believe his visit sealed the deal, he spent time with their biggest rivals this weekend, too. Michigan, Georgia, Oregon, and Miami all remain serious contenders, and with NIL, coaching relationships, and player development all playing a role, this recruitment is far from over.

Jackson Cantwell hangs out with U-Mich’s No. 1 QB

It was a big recruiting weekend for both Ohio State and Michigan, but when the dust settled, it was Ann Arbor that played host to one of the biggest names in the 2026 class—literally. Five-star OT Jackson Cantwell, a towering 6-foot-8, 300-pound force, made his way to campus, and by all accounts, the visit went well.

Cantwell, who sits at the top of the 2026 recruiting rankings according to all major services, took to X to share his experience. “Had a great time checking out @UMichFootball for a spring practice yesterday!” Cantwell posted.

He wasn’t just there for the scenery, either. The big man was spotted hanging with top-ranked QB Bryce Underwoodand head coach Sherrone Moore. The Wolverines landed Underwood earlier this year, shocking many by beating out LSU. Now, there’s a growing belief that they might be in a prime position to do it again with Cantwell in 2026.