One of the Tigers top targets in the class of 2026 was in Columbia for their matchup with the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell visited Columbia, MO, to watch the Tigers’ SEC opener against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Cantwell had an exciting time experiencing the SEC atmosphere as the game went to overtime, with No. 7 Missouri narrowly clinching a victory.
“It was a fun experience; Vanderbilt made it a really competitive game,” Cantwell remarked. “Overtime is tough, especially against SEC teams. It was entertaining to watch.”
Ranked as the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2026, Cantwell, a native of Nixa, MO, is the highest-rated player in the state. Over the past two years, he has built a rapport with the Tigers’ coaching staff, particularly with offensive line coach Brandon Jones, with whom he has formed a connection over the last year.
“Coach Jones and I talk almost every week,” Cantwell shared. “I’ve known him since he joined the staff a year ago. He’s a great coach, and I’ve learned a lot from their offense.”
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is also making an effort to connect with Cantwell, having flown to Carthage, MO, for the Nixa Eagles’ week four game on September 20. This shows how much the Tigers value Cantwell as a recruit.
“He mentioned it while we were chatting at the game. No other coach has come to see me like that,” Cantwell noted.
As Cantwell’s recruitment process nears its conclusion, he aims to make a commitment by next fall or at the start of his football season, which will include official visits.
“I don’t have much time left in my recruitment,” Cantwell said. “Being in the class of ’26, I’m definitely closing in on the end. I’m not reaching out to new schools anymore.”
While he has received offers from nearly every top program, Cantwell narrowed his options to 14 schools on July 18, 2024, and he indicated that this list continues to shrink.
NEWS: Five-Star OT Jackson Cantwell is down to 1️⃣4️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’8 305 OT from Nixa, MO is ranked as the No. 4 Recruit in the ‘26 Class (per On3)
Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/5y15HopxZo pic.twitter.com/YmqpiFELKP
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 18, 2024
“I’m in regular contact with around 10 schools,” Cantwell shared. “I’m looking into where my official visits might be and starting to clarify what I want for my future.”
As Cantwell’s recruitment nears its conclusion, the Tigers are expected to remain a top contender for his commitment.
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