Now, you can’t quite one-up the development out of the association this weekend. Even the most resounding revelations are bound to fall flat relative to that Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade bombshell. However, news that can alter the future trajectory of a sport spurred in the College Football realm too. The no.1 overall recruit in the class of ‘26, offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, has condensed his possible landing spots down to 6. This is ‘the’ guy in his class, and the blue-chip programs are naturally clamoring for him.

The list of 6 schools includes bluebloods, those adjacent to that stature, and Cantwell’s in-state Mizzou. Now that the contents of this exclusive club are out, the focus has pivoted to discerning the hierarchy. Which program has the upper hand in landing this 6’7, 300-pound man-mountain? CFB recruitment guru Steve Wiltfong has leveraged his intel on what the pecking order looks like between Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Miami, and the aforementioned Missouri.

Wiltfong took to the On3 YouTube channel to lay out where affairs stand for Jackson Cantwell’s recruitment. “Georgia has been a front-runner the entire process for Jackson Cantwell,” he remarked. “The pedigree on the field, the track record of player development, particularly on the offensive line. A like-minded culture and style of play. Georgia remains one of Jackson Cantwell’s favorites, and one I’m keeping a close eye on as he starts to line up his official visits,” This public acknowledgment from somebody with his finger on the pulse of matters bodes really well for Kirby Smart. However, Wiltfong proceeded to throw a couple spanners in the works. One team is pulling deep from the archives of the proverbial book, “CFB Recruitment 101.”

Before NIL made the process more a math than a science, college recruitment was about rapport and relationships. As such, Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are embracing tradition to lure a historic prospect. Being from Missouri himself, Lanning has been connecting on a more personal level with Jackson Cantwell during his visits. In fact, he’s deploying every weapon in his arsenal. “Oregon is a program we’ve been keeping a close eye on for Jackson Cantwell. Dan Lanning and the family have really hit it off with him,” said Steve Wiltfong. He also mentioned another very prominent wrinkle that could tip the scales in Oregon’s favor.

“Jackson Cantwell is one of the top throwers in the country as well. He’s making a football decision, but track and field’s a cherry on top [with] Oregon. The opportunity to play two sports at Oregon for two high profile programs is also exciting [for him]” stated Wiltfong. Cantwell’s parents are both Olympians in shot put. He has continued this lineage and has even breached the national high school record. Jackson Cantwell is a bonafide athletic freak. There’s no wonder the Nike connection and general prowess of Oregon’s track and field program is baked into this recruitment. Kirby Smart needs to be wary of his team’s position atop the perceived hierarchy. Not just Lanning, but other adversaries are taking strides too. Wiltfond named 1 more school that has separated themselves from the chasing pack.

Third school closes out the “Tier 1” of leaders in the race for Jackson Cantwell

Mizzou fans are probably waiting for reality to ascend upon them and flatten their hopes. With the blueblood programs involved, Missouri maybe know they’re on the periphery of this recruitment. They do have a trump card, and it’s not just proximity. Jackson’s father, 2008 Beijing silver medallist Christian Cantwell is an alumni. That is certainly a factor, however Missouri remain on the fringes as per Wiltfong.

One team that he did put in “Tier 1” pertaining to Jackson Cantwell’s landing spot, alongside Georgia and Oregon, was Michigan. Whatever your opinions on the state of the program, their O-line proficiency is irrefutable. Sherrone Moore can coach the trenches, that much is conspicuous. “Don’t sleep on Michigan here. I think the visit in December talking to Sherrone Moore…the way they like to run the football, the Joe Moore Awards for the offensive line, the way they develop that position. Michigan is another program that is in an intriguing spot.” said Steve Wiltfong.

As for Ohio State, the departure of O-line coach Justin Fyre for the NFL hinders them massively. Fyre’s work with an injury-ridden offensive line on the run to the Natty made him one of the keys to their chances. Not to mention, they’ve lost OC Chip Kelly, too, as part of a coaching reshuffle. The uncertainty is perhaps too much to overcome.  As for Miami, Wiltfong said, “[Jackson Cantwell] really liked the vibe in Coral Gables” and that “an official visit could be a humongous needle mover for Miami.” Wiltfong explicitly stated, “It would not shock me if [Cantwell] picked Miami in the end.” Safe to say this one hangs in the balance just yet.

Different schools have different advantages, and about 5 of these 6 are very much alive for Jackson Cantwell. With the 6th one being Ohio State, you can’t rule that behemoth out, either. Keep your eyes peeled on this potentially generational lineman and his recruitment.