Miami reportedly makes $2,000,000 NIL move for nation's top high school recruit Jackson Cantwell amid Georgia interest 

By Insiya Johar

Modified May 10, 2025 08:33 GMT

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The high school recruiting circuit is abuzz with speculation over Jackson Cantwell's commitment. Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and Oregon have emerged as the top contenders for the five-star offensive tackle.

After No. 1-ranked quarterback Jared Curtis recommitted to the Bulldogs on Monday, Georgia's recruiting class ranking shot up from No. 17 to No. 7. With Curtis as a linchpin, Kirby Smart wants to create a top recruiting class. According to On3's Hayes Fawcett, Georgia is eyeing Cantwell, linebacker Tyler Atkinson, tight end Mark Bowman and running back Derrek Cooper.

But Miami coach Mario Cristobal is hot on his trail. The Hurricanes are reportedly expected to offer a $2,000,000 NIL deal to land Cantwell.

"Miami has the most lucrative first-year deal on the table for 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell, sitting around the $2M mark," On3’s Pete Nakos reported.

"Miami has the most lucrative first-year deal on the table for 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell, sitting around the $2M mark," On3 posted on X/Twitter.

At the same time, if Cantwell commits to Georgia, he might have to take a pay cut. Head coach Kirby Smart has recruited top talents using the "Georgia discount," – NIL deals at a discount rate.

Since Cantwell has an NIL valuation of $1.5 million as compared to No.1 QB Jared Curtis' $2.6 million who will reportedly take less than $1 million per year to stay close to home at Georgia, Cantwell might need to consider his NIL deal. And Miami's $2 million lure could compete with Georgia's interest.

Meanwhile, in late April, Cantwell visited the Oregon Ducks and suggested a positive outlook toward Dan Lanning's program.

"They have a plan for me to develop and even to be a dual sport athlete at a high level too. They are heavily invested and think I could be the guy to get a lot of dominoes to fall in the 2026 class," Cantwell said via Rivals.com.

Miami's $2 million lure would test Georgia's interest.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart has landed major commitments using a “Georgia discount.”

For example, although Jared Curtis has an NIL valuation of $2.6 million (according to On3), he reportedly will take less than $1 million per year to stay close to home at Georgia. Curtis is from Bellevue, Tennessee, in the Nashville area.

Jackson Cantwell, from Nixa, Missouri, has an NIL valuation of $1.5 million.

Meanwhile, Cantwell appeared to have a good visit with the Oregon Ducks, Dan Lanning's program, in late April.

"They have a plan for me to develop and even to be a dual sport athlete at a high level, too,” Cantwell said, via Rivals. “They are heavily invested and think I could be the guy to get a lot of dominoes to fall in the 2026 class."

Also, according to On3, Ohio State is out of the race for Cantwell.

Cantwell is set to make an unofficial visit to Georgia on Saturday. His commitment date, scheduled for April 30, had been postponed to Tuesday. After Curtis' prized commitment to Georgia, all eyes are now on Cantwell to see where he decides to commit.