Jackson Cantwell has been on scouts' radar from a young age. As a freshman in high school, standing at 6-foot-8, he's a multi-sport athlete at Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. The talented lineman has drawn interest from top programs like Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, and many others. The big question remains: will the 2026 prospect stay close to home and commit to the Missouri Tigers?
Cantwell took his first unofficial visit to the University of Missouri on October 22, 2022, making it a point to check out his home-state school before any others. During his second visit to Mizzou, on June 7th, 2023, the Tigers officially gave him an offer.
He has visited just two schools on three occasions—Missouri and Oklahoma—but the talented lineman has received offers from dozens of premier college football programs. On Monday morning, Cantwell announced an even shorter list of five schools he plans to visit for gamedays during the 2024 college football season.
Game day visits! Excited to get to tour some great programs and see some great games! #NSGB @jperry_nixa @CoachMedley66 @ChadSimmons_ @TomLoy247 @ByKyleKelly @SWiltfong_ @RivalsFriedman @GregSmithRivals @JohnGarcia_Jr @adamgorney @BarstoolMizzou @BarstoolHusker @COCsportsreport pic.twitter.com/YZNeoR685u
— Jackson Cantwell (@jcantwell2499) August 26, 2024
Missouri is featured twice on Cantwell's list, with plans to visit Columbia for the Vanderbilt game on September 21st and to watch the Tigers take on Alabama in Tuscaloosa on October 26th. Nationally regarded as one of the best linemen in the country, landing Cantwell would be a huge win for Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Football program.
Cantwell has formed a strong relationship with Missouri's offensive line coach, Brandon Jones, who has been recruiting at a high level. Missouri continues to position itself in the conversation with highly talented recruits, competing with some of the top-programs in college football. They’re looking to capitalize on another in-state star with Cantwell.
It will be fascinating to follow Cantwell's recruiting journey as Missouri aims to hit another grand slam in the 2026 recruiting circuit. Viewed as one of the top players nationally, a commitment from Cantwell would further solidify the future of Missouri football.