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The Miami Hurricanes landed a huge win on the recruiting trail this week in the form of five-star prospect Jackson Cantwell. The 6-8, 320-pound offensive tackle committed to play for Mario Cristobal on Tuesday.
The Hurricanes had to beat out the likes of Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State to secure that pledge. They had a little help from boosters according to certain media outlets.
Cantwell is the top player at his position depending on who you talk to. Rivals recruiting service ranks him as the top overall prospect in his 2026 class.
With that status came a highly contested recruiting battle that came to an end on Tuesday. Cantwell committed to Miami during a ceremony at his high school.
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The Hurricanes had long been considered a contender to land his pledge, but Georgia was perceived as the favorite. A narrative surrounding NIL payment quickly became a topic of discussion.
Reports of a one-year, $2 million Miami offer surfaced last week ahead of his scheduled commitment. That number ballooned to $2.5 million after the fact.
As is often the case, those on the losing end of his recruitment looked at that NIL payment as reasoning. He had to be chasing a bag and not a future by committing to the ‘Canes.
Jackson Cantwell made it his mission to set the record straight on his decision. He blasted a college football insider in the process.
Jackson Cantwell took aim at Pete Nakos for pushing a “false narrative.”
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Cantwell says relationships won out, not money. He also noted Mario Cristobal’s expertise in coaching offensive linemen.
“I chose Miami because I felt it was the best situation for me to grow and develop,” he said of the commitment. “Coach Cristobal and [OL coach Alex] Mirabal have recruited me harder than anyone in the country, and I believe in their development plan for me in the short and long-term.”
There’s no denying Cristobal’s past success developing offensive linemen. He’s had five linemen drafted dating back to his time at Oregon, including first-round pick Penei Sewell.
While that number pales in comparison to Georgia’s 15 draftees since 2019, it shouldn’t be a necessarily be a slight to the Miami staff’s abilities.
Jackson Cantwell believes Cristobal and Co. can get him to the next level. He’ll be more than happy to cash a massive paycheck as he pursues that goal.