No. 1 Ranked Star Reveals Reason for Turning Down Georgia While Calling Out Pete Nakos

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated May 14, 2025 7:41 AM ET

Jackson Cantwell, top prospect of the 2026 cycle, has decided to commit to the Miami Hurricanes on Tuesday. The Georgia Bulldogs, who extensively pursued him and were highly likely to land him, didn’t succeed in the end.

Hawes Fawcett of On3 wrote, "Development was a huge factor and told me multiple times there’s not a better OL Coach/Developer in CFB than Alex Mirabal".

"I chose Miami because I felt it was the best situation for me to grow and develop, not only on the field as an offensive lineman but as a person," Cantwell on his decision to choose Miami.

"Coach Cristobal and Mirabal have recruited me harder than anyone in the country, and I believe in their development plan for me in the short and long term."

The 6-foot-8 offensive tackle also called out Pete Nakos of On3 for pushing the narrative that money had a big influence on his decision.

"I think my response to it is that it’s not the same narrative people like Pete Nakos are pushing right now. There’s just a false narrative that—that’s why I’m choosing." Cantwell said.

Jackson Cantwell didn’t hold back.

He says it wasn’t about the money—and calls out @On3sports @PeteNakos_ for pushing a “false narrative.”

Cantwell says relationships, not dollar signs, won out in his commitment to Miami. #dawgnation pic.twitter.com/CTQLiKQZyJ
— DawgNation (@DawgNation) May 13, 2025

"I think relationships won out in Miami...they spent the most time with me, they put the most effort into recruiting me."

Cantwell continues to reveal that his agent, Drew, made sure that he is fairly compensated and every school has been "accommodating" to that.

"Anyone who would say otherwise about how I’ve managed my recruitment has just been misled.” He added.

#Miami HC Mario Cristobal’s reaction to landing the nation’s No. 1 prospect in Nixa (Mo.) 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell:

“Let’s go!”

Credit to: @AslanHodges pic.twitter.com/vBBZABACl8
— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) May 13, 2025

This was a major upset for the Kirby Smart camp. Judging by the bond, newly recruited UGA quarterback Jared Curtis had with Cantwell, fans believed the Dawgs would also land him.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal had a very animated reaction after hearing the news, fist pumping multiple times to celebrate. Cantwell is a huge addition for the Canes, a team that helped develop Penei Sewell.

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

More must-reads: