Who said, Jackson Cantwell? He ‘Canwell’—and right now, he very well could be doing it in Coral Gables or Eugene – if things keep trending the way they are. As the No. 1 offensive lineman in the 2026 class, Cantwell has made it crystal clear throughout his recruiting journey: he’s prioritizing development, not just hype. He wants NFL-ready coaching, real reps, and trust in the trenches. Relationships with position coaches, the vibe around campus, and the opportunity to protect elite QBs on Saturdays have all weighed heavily in his process. But there’s a new force creeping in—and it may just tip the scales before the summer hits.

The buzz around Jackson Cantwell took another twist recently when Steve Wiltfong dropped the latest intel on On3, confirming that the Miami Hurricanes have become a serious contender. If not the frontrunner, in large part due to what’s brewing off the field. “Well, as we said… Miami is the program that has really been surging for Jackson Cantwell,” Wiltfong said. “With what Mario Cristobal has been able to do with first-year starters at the offensive line position over the course of his career—Jonah Williams at Alabama, Penei Sewell at Oregon, and then Francis Mauigoa at Miami to name a few—that’s appealing to Jackson Cantwell. And certainly what the Hurricanes could potentially bring off the field from an NIL perspective. I think those packages are looking pretty strong to Jackson Cantwell at this point in his process, but dialogue continues with other programs.”

“Ohio State is still swinging. He’s always had a lot of love for Georgia and that program, and the way they do things in the coaching staff. They are trying to hang around in that recruitment. But Oregon looks like a challenger to Miami right now,” added Wiltfong. And it’s not just a hunch. Cantwell, who’s already made multiple visits to both Oregon and Miami, returned to Coral Gables for a three-day visit in mid-March. His second trip to South Florida. The timing wasn’t random. It was about getting deeper into the weeds: practice habits, locker room chemistry, and yes, NIL structure.

Wiltfong added, “He’s coming back for his official visit this weekend with his family. Wants to see them practice. We’ll get to see the spring game, get back around the staff. Certainly, there’ll be some more NIL discussion, and we’ll see where people put their cards on the table in that realm.”

While Mario Cristobal appears to be laying down his hand with confidence. Dan Lanning and the Ducks aren’t folding either. The Ducks have long been in the mix, and with his final visit taking place in Eugene, they’re gearing up to make their closing argument. Georgia, which Cantwell has long admired for its physical brand of football and O-line pedigree, remains a sentimental pick. Ohio State? Still swinging, but clearly behind the pace being set in South Florida and the Pacific Northwest. The Bulldogs may have the rings, but the ‘Canes might just have the wallet – and momentum.

Let’s not pretend NIL isn’t a major player here. It is. Everyone remembers Miami reportedly backing up the Brinks truck and shelling out close to $4 million for Beck. So if Miami can invest that kind of coin into a QB, why wouldn’t they open the vault for the top offensive lineman in the country? For a player like Cantwell, who not only checks all the boxes physically but also brings a business-minded approach to his recruitment, the numbers off the field are beginning to carry as much weight as the tape on it.

Still, this isn’t just about money. It’s about football roots. “They have the best offensive line coaching duo in the country in Alex Mirabal and Mario Cristobal,” Cantwell said back in February. “Then you add in the student life there, and it’s not going to get a lot better than Miami, Florida. They have a great situation. You watch Cam Ward last year and realize that he couldn’t have done anything he did without those guys.” That’s as glowing an endorsement as you’ll get from a five-star recruit who understands the technical side of line play.

Cantwell is entering his final stretch, with the official Oregon visit looming and the final pitches being delivered.

Trenches matter: No. 1 recruit Jackson Cantwell eyes Miami’s O-line legacy

Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, is closing in on his April 30 decision. And Miami (Florida) has made it to his final four. And if you’re wondering what more is keeping the Hurricanes in the race, it’s simple: the big guys up front.

“They are prioritizing offensive linemen, and they have no shame in admitting it,” Cantwell said. “They’re putting a lot of time into the development of it, and that’s something that stands out a lot to me. I like schools that prioritize offensive line.”

That’s music to the ears of Miami fans — especially with Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal leading the charge. Cristobal, a former OL himself, has built his coaching identity in the trenches, producing first-rounders like Cam Robinson, Jonah Williams, and Penei Sewell. It’s no surprise that Cantwell left his visit to Coral Gables impressed by how hands-on Cristobal was with the O-line group, despite wearing the head coach title.

“I think Alex Mirabal is one of the best developers in the country,” Cantwell added. “I think Cristobal has a great vision for the program. It’s a great situation.” With a decision looming, Miami’s commitment to the trenches may be just what seals the deal. And NIL greens too.