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Miami HC Mario Cristobal reacts to commitment from No. 1 recruit Jackson Cantwell

hunterby: Hunter Shelton05/13/25HunterShelton_
Mario Cristobal, Miami
Mario Cristobal, Miami (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal picked up perhaps the biggest recruiting win of his tenure in Coral Gables on Tuesday as Nixa (Mo.) Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell pledged to the Hurricanes.

The Sunshine State program beat out Georgia, Oregon and others. Cristobal, who’s currently in Amelia Island, Fla. for the ACC spring meetings, rejoiced upon finding out that the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle has joined his pledge list:

The addition of Cantwell bumped Miami up to No. 8 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The relationships that Cantwell built with Cristobal, OL coach Alex Mirabal and the Miami staff played a big part in his decision.

“Miami excites me a lot because they have an offensive-line oriented coach in Mario Cristobal,” Cantwell previously told On3. “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 like subjective where in the top five it would be. He does a fantastic job. He does a great developing. They always seem to have the right guys on the offensive line.”

On3’s Pete Nakos reported on Tuesday that Miami tabled a multi-year NIL deal that “has been raised to roughly $2.5 million in Year 1.” The Canes continued to ramp up their push, fended off the Bulldogs and Ducks and are now in position to push for a top-five class nationally.

On3’s Steve Wiltfong has the latest on what’s next for Miami after picking up the mammoth commitment here.

What is Miami getting in Jackson Cantwell?

“Jackson Cantwell has been one of the top physical talents in the 2026 cycle from the outset. At over 6-foot-7 and around 315 pounds, Cantwell has a large frame and holds his weight exceptionally well,” On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power writes. “The frame is well-proportioned with a lean lower body, solid weight distribution, and big hands. He is a highly explosive, powerful athlete with outstanding functional movement skills on the football field.”

“The elite strength and explosion also show up in track and field, where he doubles as a national standout thrower in the shot put and discus. The son of two Olympian throwers, Cantwell broke the sophomore national record in the shot put last spring with a preposterous 74-9.75 foot throw.”

“While there are signs of untapped upside, Jackson Cantwell is one of the cleanest, safest prospects in the 2026 cycle. If things go to plan, he should be on track to follow Sewell and Mauigoa as a three-and-out impact offensive tackle.”