Oregon Outmaneuvers Missouri and Georgia to Secure Gatorade National Player of the Year Finalist, Confirms Top Prospect
The Oregon Ducks are making significant strides in their pursuit of Jackson Cantwell, one of the nation’s top junior prospects. Cantwell, a standout offensive tackle from Nixa High School and the No. 1 offensive lineman in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite, was also a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
In an interview with Steve Wiltfong of On3, Cantwell discussed his recruitment process, naming Oregon as one of his top choices. He reflected on his 2024 visit to Oregon, expressing a keen desire to return.
“The school I’m most excited to visit again is Oregon,” Cantwell shared. “They have a lot of promise, and they’re National Championship contenders right now, though I don’t want to jinx Coach Lanning.”
A key factor driving Cantwell’s interest in Oregon is offensive line coach A’lique Terry, who has impressed him with his development of the offensive line.
“A’lique Terry has done an incredible job with the offensive line,” Cantwell said. “Coach Lanning, a Kansas City native, is one of the most personable coaches in college football. I’ve really enjoyed building a relationship with him, and he knows a lot of people from our area in Southwest Missouri.”
While Oregon is a strong contender, Missouri and Georgia are also in the running for Cantwell’s commitment.
247Sports’ Gabe Brooks believes Cantwell has the potential to be one of the top players in his class and a future NFL prospect, given his physical skills and potential as both a run blocker and pass protector.
Although Cantwell has yet to make a final decision, On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Missouri a 22.3% chance of landing him. Cantwell has visited Mizzou five times, and his father, a former record-breaking shot-putter, is an alum of the university.
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