Nation’s No. 1 Recruit Jackson Cantwell Declares Texas as His Top Choice Over Ohio State, Miami, and Oregon
Cantwell isn’t just the top offensive line prospect in the country—he’s a generational talent who could change the entire trajectory of a college football program. A rare blend of size, Cantwell has been on the radar of nearly every Power Five school since his sophomore year.
His film jumps off the screen. Whether it’s pancaking edge rushers, getting to the second level to erase linebackers, or flashing nimble feet in pass protection, Cantwell’s dominance in the trenches has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Joe Thomas and Lane Johnson.
“He’s a plug-and-play starter at left tackle at any program in America,” said 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins. “Jackson Cantwell is as close to a can’t-miss prospect as we’ve seen in years. He’s strong as an ox, moves like a tight end, and he has the mindset of a future All-American.”
Why Texas?
Cantwell’s declaration that Texas leads his recruitment is a massive endorsement of the Longhorns’ trajectory under Sarkisian. After a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and a Top 5 finish in the national recruiting rankings each of the last two cycles, Texas has clearly reestablished itself as a legitimate national power.
“The biggest thing is consistency,” Cantwell said. “It’s not just hype with Texas anymore—they’re actually winning big games, producing NFL guys, and treating their linemen like stars. Coach Flood is one of the best OL coaches in the country, and my conversations with Coach Sark have been really genuine. I trust them.”
That “Coach Flood” he’s referring to is Kyle Flood, the offensive line architect who’s built trenches at Alabama and Texas alike. Known for developing maulers like Evan Neal and JC Latham, Flood has quietly become one of the most respected position coaches in America—and his fingerprints are all over Texas’s recent line success.
Sarkisian’s Long-Term Vision
For Sarkisian, who’s entering Year 5 at Texas, Cantwell’s potential commitment would be another milestone in his mission to turn the Longhorns into an SEC powerhouse. With Texas officially joining the SEC in 2024 and already showing they can hang with elite competition, adding the No. 1 player in the country would send a powerful message.
“Our program is built around physicality, discipline, and explosive offense,” Sarkisian said last month. “To do that at the highest level, you have to dominate the line of scrimmage. We’re recruiting guys who can be the foundation of a championship team—and Jackson is one of those guys.”
Cantwell’s Process
Cantwell’s recruitment has been meticulously planned from the start. The Missouri native has taken over a dozen unofficial visits in the past year and has maintained an open dialogue with coaches, analysts, and mentors throughout the process. He recently trimmed his list to a final four: Texas, Ohio State, Miami, and Oregon.
But even with powerhouse programs like those in pursuit, Cantwell says Texas has maintained the most consistent and transparent communication.
“Every coach can tell you what you want to hear,” Cantwell said. “But Texas has told me what I need to hear. They’ve shown me how I’d be developed, what the expectations are, and where I’d fit into their culture. That matters.”
Cantwell is expected to make his final decision before his senior season this fall, with a potential commitment date set for late July.
Ohio State: The Close Second
Of the three remaining schools chasing Texas, Ohio State may pose the greatest threat. Offensive line coach Justin Frye has built a strong relationship with Cantwell and pitched the Buckeyes’ proven development pipeline to the NFL—especially with recent first-rounders like Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones as examples.
“I love what Ohio State has done, and Coach Frye has been great,” Cantwell said. “It’s definitely a place where you can win a national championship and get to the league. They’re still very much in this.”
Ryan Day’s Buckeyes remain a top-three program nationally and have consistently landed blue-chip linemen. With the 2025 class looking to reload after a disappointing 2024 finish, landing Cantwell would instantly solidify their class and give their quarterback of the future elite protection.
Miami: The NIL Wildcard
Then there’s Miami, which remains a wildcard due to its aggressive NIL approach and a rapidly improving recruiting apparatus under Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes have not shied away from targeting the nation’s best—and Cantwell is no exception.
“It’s definitely a different vibe at Miami,” Cantwell said. “They’re building a lot of momentum and facilities. I have a lot of respect for Coach Cristobal and how he treats linemen, being a former one himself.”
Miami’s pitch is layered with culture, weather, and brand potential, especially with the influence of mega-booster John Ruiz and LifeWallet—although Cantwell has repeatedly stated that NIL is “not a driving factor” in his decision.
Oregon: Flash Meets Fundamentals
The final contender is Oregon, another program known for innovation and style, but also one that has quietly developed a strong line identity under Dan Lanning. The Ducks have sold Cantwell on a chance to be part of their rise back to the national elite.
“Coach Lanning is the real deal, and Oregon has great tradition,” Cantwell said. “They’ve shown me a plan for development and scheme fit that I really respect.”
The Ducks have long been a player in national recruiting circles, especially along the line. But this battle might come down to geography and familiarity, where Texas has the edge.
The Missouri Effect
One factor in all of this is Cantwell’s Missouri roots. While the Tigers were once thought to be in the mix for an in-state coup, they’ve since faded from the top tier of his recruitment. Still, staying close to home and representing his state has been a topic of discussion in his camp.
“It would be cool to be that guy at Mizzou, but I just think I’m looking for something a little different right now,” Cantwell said. “Bigger platform, bigger games, more national exposure.”
That may not bode well for the Tigers, but it’s yet another sign that Cantwell is thinking big-picture, both in football and life.
Personality, Pedigree, and Pressure
Off the field, Cantwell is just as impressive. A straight-A student with a 4.0 GPA and an elite wrestling background, he’s built like a future NFL left tackle but carries himself with humility.
His father, Jon Cantwell, was a shot put Olympian for Team USA, and Jackson’s athletic pedigree shows in everything from his footwork to his explosiveness. Coaches say his work ethic is unmatched, and his leadership—despite being only 17—is already drawing comparisons to former Alabama captain Evan Neal.
“He’s got that dog in him,” said one anonymous coach from an SEC school. “But he’s also a team-first guy who just wants to win and make people better around him. That’s the rare part.”
What It Means for Texas
If Cantwell follows through and commits to Texas, it would instantly elevate their 2025 class to No. 1 nationally, according to projections from multiple recruiting sites. It would also mark the first time in over a decade that Texas landed the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit—something that only a few programs can claim.
It would be another massive win for Kyle Flood, who’s already brought in five-star linemen like Kelvin Banks and DJ Campbell in previous classes. Pairing Cantwell with current stars and recent signees would create an SEC-ready offensive line capable of competing with Georgia, Alabama, and LSU in the trenches.
“This would be the ultimate statement that Texas is ready to not just hang with the SEC—but dominate it,” said Rivals national analyst Adam Gorney. “When the best lineman in the country picks you, it changes everything.”
What’s Next?
Cantwell plans to take official visits to all four finalists this summer, including a return to Austin in early June. While he hasn’t closed the door on the other programs, sources close to the recruitment suggest that Texas has built a lead that may be difficult to overcome—especially if they continue to impress during the visits.
“Texas is going to have to finish the job, but they’re in pole position,” one source said. “Unless something changes dramatically, they’re the team to beat.”
Final Thoughts
Jackson Cantwell is not just a top recruit—he’s a franchise cornerstone, the kind of lineman who doesn’t come around often. His game is polished, his mindset is mature, and his potential is limitless.
For Texas, landing him would be the ultimate validation of the Sarkisian era—a sign that the Longhorns are not only back, but ready to rule the trenches in the SEC.
And for Cantwell, it’s clear that he’s not looking for flash or hype. He’s looking for substance, structure, and a place where he can become great. Right now, Texas is giving him exactly that.
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