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"Their scheme talk with me surprised me": Nation's No. 1 2026 prospect Jackson Cantwell makes his feelings known on Sherrone Moore's Michigan
Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell remains one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, with schools like Michigan in hot pursuit. The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class made his first trip to Ann Arbor on Sunday to check out the Wolverines and left with a strong impression.
"I'd say their player development program and how in-depth their scheme talk with me surprised me," Cantwell told 247Sports following the trip.
Cantwell has been a dominant lineman in his junior season and secured the 2024 MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year. He had plenty to take in during his time with Sherrone Moore's coaching staff, who made sure to show the key aspects of their program that have helped them build an elite offensive line pipeline.
"I learned more about how I would develop on and off the field there," Cantwell said. "We talked some ball. I really enjoyed it.”
Cantwell also shared his excitement in a post on X, tagging Moore along with multiple Michigan coaches, including offensive line coach Grant Newsome, director of player personnel Albert Karschnia, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey, recruiting analyst Coleman Walker and assistant director of recruiting Jack Dunaway.
"Had a great time visiting @UMichFootball today! Was great to learn about the program and why it’s so highly regarded. It was a blast! #NSGB@Coach_SMoore @grant_newsome @AKarsch_UM @ChipLindsey11 @ColemanWalker_ @Jack_Dunaway96."
Cantwell hails from Nixa, Missouri, and is currently viewed as an in-state priority for the Missouri Tigers. Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has put heavy effort into his recruitment and even used a helicopter to attend one of his high school games early in the 2024 season.
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Missouri holds a 22.3% chance to land Cantwell's commitment, but programs like Michigan will be major factors moving forward.
Michigan makes Jackson Cantwell's top list
Jackson Cantwell holds 30 scholarship offers and has narrowed his focus to a top-14 list, including Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Miami, Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and USC. He plans to make additional official visits and aims to trim his list to six or eight programs.
"I am trying to figure out my official visits," Cantwell told SI. "If I can’t see myself playing for that school, I won’t go on an official visit there. I will go to the places I will enjoy playing at.”
Michigan's 2026 class lost the commitment of four-star quarterback Brady Hart, who later reclassified to the 2025 class and flipped to Texas A&M following five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood's commitment to the Wolverines' 2025 class. However, Michigan has retained two key pieces in its 2026 class: cornerback Brody Jennings and wide receiver Jaylen Pile.
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