Look, Jackson Cantwell doesn’t punch a clock; he rewrites the schedule. This five-star offensive tackle from Missouri skipped his senior year, sending college football into a frenzy. Schools are desperate, but Jackson holds all the cards. His latest recruiting move has Ohio State and Michigan on edge. He’s not just playing the game; he’s changing the rules. Get ready, because Cantwell’s decision could be earth-shattering.
Well, Jackson Cantwell’s commitment carousel is no less than a suspense thriller movie. Just a few days back, Cantwell narrowed down his list of top six schools: Oregon, Ohio State, Missouri Tigers, Georgia, and Wolverines. Making it clear out loud on his X account that he is getting closer to his final decision, saying, “Might be closer to the end than I thought I was…” Then he also stressed the fact that he has “all the information” he needs and that no number of visits can change it.
“I have all the information I need. Don’t know how an OV (official visit) would change that really,” said Jackson Cantwell to On3. But now it looks like that’s not the case anymore. As Cantwell is going to make his final visit to Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks from April 19-21. So, if that’s not a clear indication of his interest in the program, then what is? Even Ducks insider Justin Hopkins hopped on to the On3 Recruits, clearing Cantwell and Jared Curtis’s move towards Oregon, saying,
“So I mean, if you’re Oregon, what’s the best thing you can do? You can get a five-star commitment at the most important position for a quarterback — a left tackle, potentially — right ahead of it. So I’m sure if you’re Oregon, you’re really going to make a serious play here, because you know it could have implications with, you know, Oregon for Jared Curtis on May 5th.” Now, this looks like a double blow to the rest of the teams, as No. 2 recruit in the nation, Jared Curtis, has already taken several visits to Eugene, and he is planning to take one final visit before May 5th.
And the same goes for Jackson Cantwell, who’s going to visit Oregon for the second time this coming week. Let’s not forget how impressed he was with his first one, as he told On3: “I enjoyed Oregon a bunch. To quote my dad, ‘Dan Lanning could probably sell ice to an Eskimo.’ It was cool to talk to that guy. He worked his way up and clearly knows what he’s doing. He’s a heck of a guy… I like their overall pitch a lot. They have a lot to offer.” If both their upcoming visits go as planned, there’s a high chance that Dan Lanning might fill up his key positions with an elite talent for the 2026 class.
Even Justin Hopkins sums it up perfectly, saying, “So, you know, I have no doubt. I know Dan Lanning is going to do what Dan Lanning does. He’s just kind of waiting back there, but that would be quite the splash — to double down with Canwell and Curtis, if he can manage to pull that off.” Look, Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class is standing at 3rd position in the Big 10 with 8 commits and 4th nationally, and after 4-star OT Kodi Greene’s commitment, they are already attracting top-notch talent. So, if they pull off Cantwell and Curtis too, it won’t be a shocker for fans but will be for Ohio State and Michigan.
Jackson Cantwell’s recruiting update sending shock waves to Michigan and OSU
Though Oregon appears to be the frontrunner for Jackson Cantwell, Ryan Day and Sherrone Moore aren’t giving up. This 6’8″, 300-pound multi-sport star from Nixa, Missouri, is incredibly impressive. A two-time Missouri Class 5A state champion in shot put, he boasts a national sophomore record of 74-9.75 and even won gold at the 2024 Nike Outdoor Nationals. He also throws the discus over 205 feet. And that’s just his track and field career.
On the football field, Cantwell dominates at left tackle. Last fall, he helped Nixa to an undefeated Central Ozark Conference season, recording 91 pancake blocks and allowing zero sacks. This kind of performance has top programs vying for his commitment. Michigan is aggressively pursuing Cantwell, and they did host him again on March 22nd, following a visit last December. Grant Newsome and Sherrone Moore will lead the recruiting effort this time.
Even Jackson Cantwell was amazed by Michigan’s efforts as he said, “Coach Moore has a vision that he wants the offensive line to be the heart and soul of the team, Coming from being that (offensive line) coach, he knows why prioritizing that can be successful long-term. I think that’s exactly what he’s doing right now—getting his offensive line going, so it can be the best line possible.” But even Ryan Day and the team made a lasting impact on him. And let’s be real, Michigan needs him more than anyone, as they only have 3 commits for the 2026 class.
Jackson Cantwell’s key spring visit to Columbus received the full Ohio State treatment. “Had a great time at Ohio State over the last two days!” Cantwell tweeted on March 22nd, alongside photos of his visit, one showing Day himself joining them for the iconic “O-H-I-O” formation.
Day’s aiming for more than just a friendly connection; he’s fighting for a major upset. However, Oregon remains a strong contender. The excitement is building with an upcoming visit to Eugene. The momentum could easily shift if Dan Lanning and the Ducks impress. For now, Day is in the running, but playing catch-up. Securing Cantwell requires more than a photo opportunity; he needs a miracle.
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