January 9, 2025

As the recruiting process heats up for the 2026 class, offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell has emerged as one of the top prospects in the country. The Missouri native is currently ranked as the nation’s top 2026 prospect by 247Sports, and his recruitment is one of the most closely followed in the country. While many of the top programs in college football are vying for his commitment, Cantwell has expressed significant interest in a school that has made waves in recent years for its offensive line development: the University of Miami.

Miami’s reputation for developing offensive linemen is one of the primary factors that has drawn Cantwell’s attention to the program. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, a former offensive lineman himself, and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, Miami has become known for its ability to produce NFL-caliber offensive linemen. These two coaches have a strong track record of coaching up elite talent, and Cantwell is impressed by their ability to develop players into top-tier linemen. He shared his thoughts on the Hurricanes’ coaching staff at the Under Armour All-America Game media day, noting his admiration for Cristobal and Mirabal.

“Miami excites me a lot because they have an offensive-line-oriented head coach in Mario Cristobal,” Cantwell said. “I like coach Cristobal a lot. I think coach Mirabal is a top-five O-line coach in the country — even that could be a little bit subjective, where in that top five he would be — because he does a fantastic job. He’s been great developing (players). They always seem to have the right guys on the offensive line.”

Cantwell’s praise for the Miami coaching staff is rooted in their ability to develop offensive line talent at a high level. For a player like Cantwell, who is already regarded as one of the best in his class, this emphasis on development and coaching is crucial. Many top prospects are looking for a program that can not only offer exposure but also provide them with the tools to reach their full potential, especially at a position like offensive line, where development plays such a critical role.

The five-star offensive lineman has had the opportunity to see Miami’s offensive line in action, and his evaluation of the Hurricanes’ line has only added to his interest. Cantwell visited Miami during the Hurricanes’ win over Duke, and he was impressed with how the offensive line performed, particularly in protecting star quarterback Cam Ward.

“Cam Ward had all the time to do basically whatever he wanted in there,” Cantwell said. “He was rolling around for like 30 seconds. To be able to have a guy do that, you’ve got to have some good pass protection up front. They do a fantastic job.”

For Cantwell, the ability to protect a quarterback like Ward — who had all the time in the world to make plays — speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Miami’s offensive line. This kind of performance in critical moments is exactly what a top offensive lineman like Cantwell is looking for when considering his college destination. The ability to showcase his talents at a school with a proven track record of offensive line success is something that can be incredibly appealing for a player with aspirations of playing at the next level.

In terms of recruiting history, Cantwell has been in communication with Miami since 2022 when the Hurricanes first offered him a scholarship. Miami was one of the first schools to extend an offer to Cantwell, and communication between the two parties has continued to pick up in recent years. Although Cantwell had limited interaction with the Miami coaching staff in 2023 and 2024, the recent resurgence of communication has helped bring the Hurricanes back into the fold as one of his top considerations.

“I talk to them a decent amount. It kind of came up a little bit recently,” Cantwell explained. “They were one of the first ones to kind of jump in the boat. I’d say winter of 2022, and then I didn’t talk to them a whole lot after that. But then I kind of got back on with them in 2023, 2024. I just didn’t know when I’d be able to visit. I just got back down there, talked to them. I like what they do a lot. They seem to be a very close bunch. They’ve kind of known for a while they want to develop offensive linemen. They want to have a great offensive line. That’s some of the stuff that excites me about coach Cristobal.”

Cantwell’s relationship with the Miami coaching staff appears to be strong, and his recent visit to campus seems to have only strengthened his interest in the program. Miami’s focus on developing a great offensive line and its close-knit coaching staff are key factors that appeal to Cantwell, and the Hurricanes’ commitment to offensive line success aligns with his own goals as a player. While many of the top programs in the country are also recruiting Cantwell, Miami’s emphasis on the offensive line could prove to be a game-changer in his recruitment.

At 6-7.5 and 300 pounds, Cantwell is an imposing figure on the field. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the most coveted offensive line prospects in the nation. As he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a dominant force on the offensive line, and Miami’s ability to develop players at that position will be key in helping him reach his full potential.

In addition to Cantwell’s recruitment, Miami has been active on the recruiting trail for other top 2026 prospects. One notable recruit who has been in frequent contact with Miami’s staff is five-star defensive end Zion Elee, although Elee is currently committed to Maryland. Despite his commitment, Elee has expressed admiration for Miami’s staff and the relationship they’ve built with him.

Four-star offensive lineman Keenyi Pepe, a standout at Bradenton’s IMG Academy, has also been in communication with Miami’s coaching staff for years. Pepe is excited about how much effort the staff has put into building a relationship with him, and this level of engagement shows that Miami is committed to recruiting top-tier talent across multiple positions.

Miami’s recruiting efforts are not limited to just offensive linemen. Four-star defensive lineman Prince Williams, a product of Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman, also has deep ties to Miami. Williams has formed strong relationships with current Miami players and appreciates the values of hard work and discipline that the program emphasizes.

Five-star wide receiver Tristan Keys, one of the top prospects in the class, has also taken notice of Miami’s high-powered offense, which ranked No. 1 in the nation. His interest in the program has been piqued by the team’s success, and Miami could eventually crack his top 10 schools.

As the 2026 class continues to take shape, Miami is positioning itself as a major player in the recruitment of top-tier talent. With coach Cristobal’s emphasis on developing offensive linemen, the Hurricanes are making significant strides in their efforts to build a championship-caliber program. For Jackson Cantwell, the decision to consider Miami seriously highlights the program’s growing reputation as a destination for elite prospects, especially on the offensive line.

In conclusion, Jackson Cantwell’s recruitment is one of the most closely watched in the 2026 cycle, and Miami has positioned itself as a serious contender for his commitment. With a focus on developing elite offensive linemen and a strong relationship with Cristobal and Mirabal, the Hurricanes are a program that Cantwell is seriously considering. As his recruitment progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Miami’s emphasis on offensive line development plays a key role in securing a commitment from one of the nation’s top prospects.

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