Dan Lanning set to learn costly recruiting lesson about relationship-building as top prospect changes mind
The Oregon Ducks were headed toward really taking over the 2026 recruiting class until this week. With projected commitments for two five-star offensive tackles in their pocket, it seemed as though head coach Dan Lanning had found the blend of selling Oregon as a premier NIL destination, National Championship contender, and relationship-based recruiting hub. However, […]
The Oregon Ducks were headed toward really taking over the 2026 recruiting class until this week. With projected commitments for two five-star offensive tackles in their pocket, it seemed as though head coach Dan Lanning had found the blend of selling Oregon as a premier NIL destination, National Championship contender, and relationship-based recruiting hub.
However, Thursday turned everything on its head for Lanning and the Ducks. Not long after five-star tackle Jackson Cantwell delayed his commitment announcement one month after another visit with Georgia, his projected landing spot changed.
Originally, Cantwell was set to visit Lanning's Ducks in April before he shut his process down. Now, he'll meet with Georgia on May 10, and is expected to make a decision on May 13.
On3's Steve Wiltfong revealed some of the key details about Cantwell's process.
“I think as Jackson Cantwell’s decision winds down, programs are having their final conversations with the blue-chipper, his family and agency and the intel suggests that the Bulldogs have come back in a big way over the last couple weeks,” Wiltfong said. “Georgia has always been one of Cantwell’s favorites and pre-NIL they would’ve been extremely tough to beat because of the relationship with Coach (Stacy) Searels, Coach (Kirby) Smart, the track record of development, the consistency of championship-level football. I think UGA is also showing exciting NIL potential for Cantwell and the buzz says this is trending back towards Athens. Oregon, Miami and Ohio State will continue to swing on their end."
The top-ranked prospect of the 2026 class is expected to earn about $1.5 million in NIL. It's telling, and concerning, for Oregon that as soon as Georgia upped their NIL offer, they were out of Cantwell's top spot.
Cantwell has consistently said that NIL is not the main driver of his recruitment. By getting competitive with Oregon, Cantwell has been able to focus on his relationships. That's where Lanning fell short, and relying on the NIL draw might've bitten him hard.
With Kodi Greene flipping from Oregon to Washington as well, the Ducks need to go back to the drawing board and readjust a little. They can outspend everyone but that can't be the foundation of their approach.
Losing Cantwell hurts now but could be used as a defining moment where the Ducks reiterate to their staff that relationships will always be the biggest tiebreaker for many top prospects.
