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So, here we are again, on the knife’s edge of college football’s next great saga: landing the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, Jackson Cantwell. Miami’s throwing down some serious coin—around $2 million, no less—to woo this 6-foot-7 offensive tackle, promising him not just early playtime but a tailored fit in their system. But is money really the magic wand in this wild NIL era? Turns out, the Hurricanes might not have this one locked up as Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon all ramp up their courting efforts. With Cantwell pushing back his commitment date and adding an unofficial visit to Georgia, one has to wonder—is this recruitment going to be a blockbuster bidding war or a chess match of loyalties, strategies, and subtle signals? The shifting stakes get even juicier as Duke Smart’s Dawgs and Oregon’s Lanning enter the fray, each staking claim to the lineman’s future. Miami’s “hardest recruiting” efforts could soon be tested against powerhouses who also want to play ball. So, who’s really calling the shots in this high-stakes game? Only time —and maybe a few more Instagram posts—will tell.

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Miami is reportedly making a serious push to land a premier 2026 football recruit.

Jackson Cantwell has narrowed down his finalists to Miami, Ohio State, Georgia, and Oregon. The 247Sports consensus ranks the offensive tackle as the No. 1 overall recruit from the 2026 class.

In the age of NIL, landing a prospect of that caliber isn’t cheap. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Miami offered Cantwell around $2 million. Nakos called it “the most lucrative first-year deal on the table” for Cantwell.

Cantwell postponed his planned commitment announcement from April 30 to May 13. He also added an unofficial visit to Georgia for this Saturday.

The 6-foot-7 lineman recently discussed the program’s full-court pursuit following a visit from Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.

“Miami is recruiting me the hardest right now,” Cantwell said. “They think I’m a high priority there, a guy that can play early and fit in their system, and they’re willing to pour a lot into me as a player and as a person. So there’s a lot to take from that, for sure.”

However, the Hurricanes aren’t necessarily running away with the recruiting sweepstakes.

On Wednesday, On3’s Steve Wiltfong called Georgia the “front-runner” to land Cantwell. Wiltfong said Cantwell “loves” the Bulldogs program and suggested his commitment delay could be bad news for the Hurricanes.

“When he put out his original commitment date, I think he was gonna go to Miami,” Wiltfong said. “I think Oregon and Georgia rallied, and I think Georgia — I like where Georgia’s at.”

Kirby Smart has already received a significant 2026 recruiting commitment in Jared Curtis. The five-star quarterback said he aims to help Georgia lure other talent to Athens, signaling out Cantwell as a top target.

Cantwell responded to a post reporting those comments by writing, “Hmm #GoDawgs?”

In February, Cantwell called Oregon’s Dan Lanning his “favorite” head coach of the recruiting process thus far. In March, he posted a photo of himself and his parent signaling the letters of “Ohio” alongside Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.

Related: Favorite Emerging For No. 1 Overall Recruit Jackson Cantwell