Jackson Cantwell’s Recruitment Heats Up: Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami Battle for Top OT
The college football recruiting landscape is intensifying, with five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell at the center of attention. As one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 class, Cantwell’s recruitment process has elite programs scrambling to secure his commitment. Among the top contenders are Michigan, Ohio State, and Miami—each vying to become his future home. However, recent developments suggest one program may already have an edge, leaving the others playing catch-up before a crucial series of visits.
Ohio State Gains Momentum in the Race
Ohio State appears to have gained a significant advantage in Cantwell’s recruitment. The No. 1 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking has three major unofficial visits lined up—Miami on March 17-18, Ohio State on March 20-21, and Michigan on March 22. However, the Ohio State trip is drawing the most attention. Unlike his visits to Miami and Michigan, which will focus on coaching styles, the Buckeyes’ visit marks Cantwell’s first in-person meeting with new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen.
In an interview with On3, Cantwell acknowledged the importance of this visit, stating, “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.”
Bowen’s track record as an offensive strategist has been impressive. During his time at Fordham, his offense was a powerhouse, leading the Patriot League and ranking fourth in the FCS with an average of 498.2 yards and 40.1 points per game. His teams also excelled in the run game, averaging 229.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 12th in the FCS. This offensive firepower makes Ohio State an appealing destination for Cantwell.
Michigan and Miami Still in the Mix
Despite Ohio State’s rising influence, Michigan and Miami remain serious contenders. Cantwell has spoken highly of Michigan’s offensive line development, emphasizing that “they are producing O-linemen year after year now.” The Wolverines’ offensive line pipeline is well-established, with six linemen drafted last year alone. Michigan’s 2025 class already boasts two five-star offensive tackles—Andrew Babalola and Ty Haywood—further strengthening its appeal.
Miami, meanwhile, is focusing on showcasing its overall environment and coaching style. Cantwell noted that his visit to Coral Gables will help him evaluate if he can see himself living and playing there. He also wants to assess how Miami’s coaching staff operates, particularly during spring practices.
Beyond these three programs, Cantwell is also planning official visits to Miami (May 9), Missouri (May 31), Michigan (June 13), and Oregon (June 20). His Missouri roots could give the Tigers a slight advantage, but they are currently seen as an underdog in this battle.
Oregon’s Late Push for Cantwell
Another major player emerging in the recruitment battle is Oregon. While traditionally not a powerhouse in securing top recruits from the South, head coach Dan Lanning has been making inroads. Cantwell has spoken highly of Lanning, calling him his “favorite head coach” and acknowledging his strong Missouri ties. Lanning’s aggressive recruiting strategy could pose a serious challenge to Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami.
Interestingly, several high-profile programs—such as Nebraska, LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, and USC—have been left on the outside looking in. Despite their interest, Cantwell has not scheduled visits to these schools, indicating they may no longer be in serious contention.
Multi-Sport Legacy and Future Considerations
Beyond football, Cantwell has an impressive athletic pedigree. He was named the 2023-24 Gatorade Missouri Boys Track & Field Player of the Year for his outstanding shot put performances. His father, Christian Cantwell, is a five-time shot put world champion and Olympic medalist, while his mother, Terri Cantwell, competed in the Sydney Olympics and won two NCAA shot put titles at SMU. This background suggests that Cantwell’s college decision might not be based solely on football—programs that offer strong track and field support could have an additional advantage.
The Final Decision
With so many factors at play, Cantwell’s recruitment remains one of the most intriguing storylines in college football. While Ohio State appears to have gained momentum, Michigan and Miami are still legitimate contenders, and Oregon’s late push could shake things up. His upcoming visits will likely play a crucial role in shaping his decision.
As the recruitment battle heats up, the question remains: will Cantwell follow the trend of elite offensive linemen choosing Michigan, embrace the Buckeyes’ new offensive philosophy, find a home in Miami, or take a surprise route with Oregon? His final decision will have major implications for college football’s 2025 recruiting class.