Jackson Cantwell’s Recruiting Rollercoaster: Is Ohio State Pulling Ahead?
The college football recruiting battleground is heating up, and at the center of the frenzy is Jackson Cantwell, a five-star offensive tackle and the No. 1 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. With powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami in hot pursuit, Cantwell’s upcoming visits could reshape the future of one team’s offensive line. However, recent developments hint that Ohio State might already have the edge.
Ohio State Steals the Spotlight
Cantwell’s itinerary is packed with crucial visits: Miami (March 17-18), Ohio State (March 20-21), and Michigan (March 22). Yet, it’s the Buckeyes who seem to be generating the most excitement. Why? Because Cantwell will be meeting Ohio State’s new offensive line coach, Tyler Bowen, for the very first time.
“This is probably a big visit for me because I’ll get to meet Coach Bowen and the other assistants in person for the first time,” Cantwell shared with On3. “I will also get to learn about those coaches. Then watching the team practice will be instrumental to see if/when an official visit could be.”
Bowen’s impressive track record speaks for itself. While at Fordham, he orchestrated an offense that dominated the Patriot League, averaging 498.2 yards and 40.1 points per game. His ground game prowess, with an average of 229.7 rushing yards, ranked 12th in the FCS. For Cantwell, witnessing Bowen’s coaching style firsthand could be a game-changer.
Michigan and Miami Still in the Hunt
While Ohio State may be gaining momentum, Michigan and Miami are far from out of the race. The Wolverines’ offensive line development under head coach Sherrone Moore has been stellar, with six linemen drafted last year alone. Cantwell openly acknowledged this strength, stating, “A lot of the reasons I like Ann Arbor is they are producing O-linemen year after year now.”
On the other hand, Miami’s allure lies in the lifestyle and coaching environment. Cantwell is eager to assess how well he would fit into the Coral Gables culture and how the coaching staff operates during spring practice. “I’m looking to see how much I’d like living and playing football in Coral Gables. I want to see how I’d like playing for the coaches there by watching how they coach in the spring,” he explained.
The Wild Card: Oregon’s Dan Lanning
Just when you thought the race was between three, Oregon’s Dan Lanning emerges as a dark horse contender. Lanning’s Southern connections and charismatic personality have left a lasting impression on Cantwell. “I think my favorite head coach still to this day has been Dan Lanning. I think everyone can understand. Great guy. Missouri guy,” Cantwell revealed.
Lanning’s success in breaking the SEC and Big 12’s recruiting grip could tilt the scales in Oregon’s favor, especially with Cantwell’s admiration for the coach.
Family Legacy and Athletic Prowess
Cantwell’s athletic excellence isn’t confined to the football field. He’s the reigning Gatorade Missouri Boys Track & Field Player of the Year for his exceptional performance in shot put. It’s no surprise, given his pedigree. His father, Christian Cantwell, is a five-time world champion and Olympic medalist in shot put, while his mother, Terri Cantwell, was a two-time NCAA champion and Olympian. For Jackson, choosing a college is about continuing this legacy of greatness.
The Road Ahead
With official visits lined up—Miami on May 9, Mizzou on May 31, Michigan on June 13, and Oregon on June 20—the pressure is mounting. While Ohio State seems to have the upper hand, the race is far from over. Cantwell’s final decision will hinge on the right combination of coaching expertise, player development, and cultural fit.
Will the Buckeyes secure the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class, or will Michigan, Miami, or Oregon pull off a last-minute upset? One thing is certain: Jackson Cantwell’s journey to college football stardom is one to watch.
