Elite CFB recruit going from most coveted 2026 player to fictional legend with continuous viral moments of insane athleticism
It’s easy to fall into the hype train when talking about football recruiting. The “new toy” is always shinier to some, and it’s always viewed as better. There is no such thing as hyperbole when discussing 2026 Nixa (Mo.) High School offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, who is one of the most impressive overall recruits to […]
It’s easy to fall into the hype train when talking about football recruiting. The “new toy” is always shinier to some, and it’s always viewed as better. There is no such thing as hyperbole when discussing 2026 Nixa (Mo.) High School offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, who is one of the most impressive overall recruits to come out in a long time.
Every week it feels like Cantwell is doing something new to wow people. This week the 6-7.5, 300-pound behemoth put up some insane weight on the bench press. Just how athletic is he? Just go watch his junior season highlight tape.
Cantwell is arguably the best offensive line recruit to come out in a very long time. He is currently rated as the No. 1 overall player, No. 1 offensive tackle, and No. 1 player in the state of Missouri for the 2026 recruiting class on the 247Sports Composite ranking. Cantwell is considered a five-star by every major recruiting platform.
Some of the very best programs in all of college football are continuing to pursue Cantwell. His top offers thus far include Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, Oregon, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida State, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, TCU, Iowa State, UCLA, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Michigan State, Stanford, and Kansas among others.
The crazy part about Cantwell is that he may be an even better thrower for the Nixa track and field team than he is on the football team. Both of his parents are Olympians so it’s very much in Cantwell’s blood. As a sophomore, Cantwell had a personal best throw of 74’ 9.75” in the shot put and 205’ 4” in the discus. He could also throw on the highest level if that’s where Cantwell’s main focus was.
From a personal perspective, I have never seen a high school offensive lineman as good as Cantwell. This is a special, special football player. His ceiling is the roof.
