Georgia Predicted to Land Projected No. 1 $1.1 Million Highly Touted Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 11:45 AM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs' tackle room centers on SEC All-Freshman Earnest Greene III, now a returning starter Georgia Bulldogs, and Jahzare Jackson, a basketball-to-football convert who redshirted in 2024. Currently, another projected $ 1.1 million NIL value star is predicted to join that room.

The Bulldogs have surged to the forefront in the battle for Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, according to On3 recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong.

The five-star offensive tackle from Nixa, Mo., adjusted his commitment timeline to May 13 and scheduled an unofficial visit to Athens on May 10, moves that have significantly shifted the recruitment in Georgia’s favor.

“I think as Jackson Cantwell’s decision winds down, programs are having their final conversations with the blue-chipper, his family and agency and the intel suggests that the Bulldogs have come back in a big way over the last couple weeks,” Wiltfong said.

“Georgia has always been one of Cantwell’s favorites and pre-NIL they would’ve been extremely tough to beat because of the relationship with Coach (Stacy) Searels, Coach (Kriby) Smart, the track record of development, the consistency of championship-level football." He added.

FONG BOMB: On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Georgia to land No. 1 overall recruit Jackson Cantwell

Read: https://t.co/3H7bpu6nUw pic.twitter.com/6VQu3zqkoT
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) April 24, 2025

Cantwell’s decision reset follows spring visits to Oregon, Miami and Ohio State, but his renewed emphasis on Georgia, highlighted by that May 10 stop in Athens, signals a likely Dawgs commitment

"I think UGA is also showing exciting NIL potential for Cantwell and the buzz says this is trending back towards Athens. Oregon, Miami and Ohio State will continue to swing on their end." Wiltfong said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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