Ryan Day just received news that no college football coach wants to hear—his grip on one of the most dominant prospects in the 2026 class is slipping. Recruiting is a battlefield where momentum shifts like a pendulum, and right now, that swing isn’t favoring the Buckeyes. Instead, Michigan and Oregon are charging ahead with full force, looking to snatch five-star offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell right out from under Ohio State’s nose.
If the latest buzz is any indication, Ryan Day and his staff are officially on high alert. The 6’7.5″, 305-pound powerhouse is in the midst of a whirlwind tour, making crucial visits that could determine where he plants his flag for the next chapter of his football career. Stops at Miami, Michigan, and Ohio State are on the itinerary, but it’s clear that two programs—Michigan and Oregon—are flexing their muscles, turning up the heat in a major way.
Michigan and Oregon Turn Up the Pressure
Cantwell is a wanted man, and Michigan is making sure he knows it. The Wolverines are rolling out the red carpet, and it’s easy to see why. He was already in Ann Arbor last December, and now he’s set to return on March 22, looking to strengthen ties with head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome. The Wolverines aren’t just selling tradition; they’re pitching a vision—one where the offensive line is the backbone of the program.
And Cantwell? He’s buying into it.
“Coach Moore has a vision that he wants the offensive line to be the heart and soul of the team,” Cantwell admitted. “Coming from being that (offensive line) coach, he knows why prioritizing that can be successful long-term. I think that’s exactly what he’s doing right now—getting his offensive line going so it can be the best line possible.”
Meanwhile, Oregon isn’t just lurking in the shadows—they’re hunting. Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is a force on the recruiting trail, a charismatic leader with a track record that speaks for itself. And if there’s one thing Lanning does well, it’s making top-tier prospects feel like Oregon is the promised land.
Cantwell has taken notice.
“The Ducks are winning lots of football games and have two of my favorite coaches with their HC and position coach,” Cantwell said. And when a five-star prospect calls your head coach “one of the most likable dudes in college football right now”? That’s not just lip service—that’s real interest.
Ohio State: The Only School in His Top Six Without an Official Visit?
Now, here’s where things get dicey for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are one of Cantwell’s six finalists, but unlike Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Georgia, and Oregon, they don’t have an official visit locked in. That’s a major red flag.
Recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong didn’t sugarcoat the situation:
“Ohio State is one of the six finalists that does not have an official visit scheduled. He has them locked in with Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Georgia, and Oregon.”
Think about it—every other contender has an official visit set in stone, while Ohio State is still hanging in limbo. That’s the recruiting equivalent of asking your dream date to prom, only to realize you never actually booked the limo.
Yet, there’s still a glimmer of hope. Cantwell will be in Columbus for an unofficial visit from March 20-21. While that doesn’t guarantee an official visit later, it’s a do-or-die moment for Ryan Day and offensive line coach Mike Bowen.
And Bowen? He better bring his A-game.
“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. 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,” Cantwell explained.
Translation: If Ohio State doesn’t blow Cantwell away, they might as well wave goodbye.
The Clock is Ticking
Recruiting battles are won by momentum, relationships, and—let’s be honest—NIL money. Right now, Michigan and Oregon are sprinting ahead while Ohio State is just trying to keep a foot in the race. If Day and Bowen can’t secure an official visit, the Buckeyes might be out of the running before they even get a real shot.
One thing’s for sure—this recruiting saga is far from over. But as it stands, Michigan and Oregon are miles ahead, and if Ohio State doesn’t play their cards right, Jackson Cantwell could soon be suiting up in maize and blue or Oregon green instead of scarlet and gray.
March 20-21 just became the most important 48 hours of Ohio State’s recruiting calendar.
