Miami Hurricanes legend recruits 5-star Jackson Cantwell to Coral Gables

Nixa (Mo.) Five-Star Plus+ Jackson Cantwell has arguably the biggest decision of his life to this point coming up in less than a week when he announced his college commitment.

The nation’s No. 1 overall recruit is considering Miami, Ohio State, Georgia and Oregon, with it largely seen as a three-team race between the Ducks, Bulldogs and Hurricanes. He is getting recruiting pitches from coaches, current players and even other recruits. And as of Thursday, also from a program legend at Miami.

Bryant McKinnie, who played with the Hurricanes from 1999-2001 and is considered one of the program’s greatest player, tweeted at Cantwell to come to Miami.

“Hey @JCantwell2499 choosing the University of Miami was the best decision I’ve ever made — it fulfilled a lifelong dream,” he wrote on X. “I came to the U with big goals, and I left having achieved even more.”

Hey @jcantwell2499 Choosing the University of Miami was the best decision I’ve ever made—it fulfilled a lifelong dream. I came to The U with big goals, and I left having achieved even more. #GoCanes 🟠🟢

— Bryant Mckinnie (@BryantMckinnie) May 8, 2025

The 6-foot-8, 340-pound McKinnie came to Coral Gables after two years Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania. He gained more than 70 pounds and switched from the defensive to offense. During his two seasons, he started at left tackle for the Hurricanes and was named an All-American both years. As a senior, he won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top lineman, was a unanimous All-American and helped Miami to the BCS national title.

He was later drafted No. 7 overall by the Minnesota Vikings and started 162 games over 12 seasons in the league. And in 2023, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Along with Ereck Flowers (2015) and Vernon Carey (2004), he is one of just three offensive tackles from Miami to be taken in the first round of the draft since 2000.

Cantwell commanding top NIL dollars heading into decision

Cantwell, should be commit to the Hurricanes, would be considered the next in a long line of talented linemen to play at the school. And in the NIL numbers back that up, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

“Sources have said that Miami has the most lucrative first-year deal on the table, sitting around the $2 million mark,” Nakos wrote earlier this week. “Schools are expected to submit final offers to Cantwell in the coming days. Represented by Rosenhaus Sports, negotiations are ongoing. It’s not believed that Cantwell has shared his school of choice with his representative as of Wednesday afternoon.”

The 6-foot-7.5, 305-pounder is the son of former USA Olympians Christian and Teri (Steer) Cantwell. His father is a five-time world champion and won a silver medal in the shot put at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and in 2004 had the top four shot put throws in the world. 

Jackson himself is a nationally renowned thrower, but is largely expected to focus on football at the next level.