Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

'There is a real contract with that one' - Recruiting expert shoots down flip rumors for controversial Five-star player

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated May 29, 2025 3:56 PM ET

It was a fascinating recruitment for 2026 five-star Nixa (Mo.) offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell. After being pursued by a long list of prominent programs, it felt like Georgia’s recruitment to lose down the stretch. That was, at least, until the Miami Hurricanes came in late with a substantial NIL offer, and allowed them to win out over the Bulldogs and Oregon.

Cantwell is considered an elite recruit in the 2026 class, and some have him rated as the top overall player of the talented group. He is currently rated as the No. 1 overall player, No. 1 offensive tackle, and No. 1 player in the state of Missouri on the 247Sports Composite ranking. This was a major catch for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, no matter how much money ended up being a factor.

In the wonderful world of NIL, recruiting has taken on an entirely new identity. These recruitments aren’t done until National Signing Day nowadays, especially when money is so heavily involved. There have already been some that have speculated about Cantwell long term, and whether he will stick with Miami.

On3 vice president of recruiting Steve Wiltfong joined the On3 Recruits YouTube channel to discuss Cantwell during a game called “Stick of Flip.” He appeared very confident, as of now, that Cantwell will sign with Miami in the end.

“Stick,” said Wiltfong. “I think the relationship with the Miami staff, how hard they recruited him, and the infrastructure... a lot of infrastructure. I think he is going to stick… There is a real contract with that one.”

With the introduction of agents and contracts into the space, it does make things a lot trickier. Wiltfong mentions the inclusion of that contract, which does make things legally binding depending on how everything is formatted. It’ll be interesting to see how binding it all is, at least for now.

Regardless, the Hurricanes signing Cantwell would be massive for their program. The 6-7, 300-pound offensive tackle is an outstanding combination of power, athleticism, and flexibility. He comes from a family of Olympians, and is a tremendous shot putter as well.

This is arguably the best offensive tackle recruit to come out in a very long time.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: