Jackson Cantwell Believes Georgia Football and Kirby Smart Can Develop Him into an NFL Prospect
In the world of college football recruiting, few names have garnered as much attention as Jackson Cantwell. The 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive tackle from Nixa, Missouri, has emerged as the top-ranked prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Cantwell’s exceptional talent on the field, combined with his athletic pedigree, has made him a coveted recruit among elite college programs. Among the schools vying for his commitment is the University of Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart. Cantwell has expressed confidence that Georgia’s football program can develop him into a future NFL prospect.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Jackson Cantwell hails from a family with a rich athletic background. His father, Christian Cantwell, is a former Olympic shot putter who won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His mother, Teri Steer, also competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics as a shot putter. Growing up in such an environment, Jackson was exposed to high-level athletics from an early age, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a passion for sports.
In addition to football, Cantwell has excelled in track and field, participating in discus and shot put events. His background in multiple sports has contributed to his development as a well-rounded athlete, enhancing his agility, strength, and overall athleticism on the football field.
High School Career and Achievements
At Nixa High School, Cantwell quickly established himself as a dominant force on the offensive line. In his junior season, he led the Eagles to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the Class 6A state championship game—the school’s first trip to the final since 2014. Cantwell’s performance was instrumental in the team’s success, as he did not allow a sack for the second consecutive season and recorded 158 pancake blocks. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and create running lanes was pivotal in Nixa’s high-scoring offense, which averaged 43.1 points and 265 rushing yards per game.
Recognizing his outstanding contributions, MaxPreps named Cantwell the 2024 Missouri High School Football Player of the Year. This accolade further solidified his status as one of the nation’s premier offensive line prospects.
Recruitment and Interest from Georgia
Cantwell’s exceptional high school career has attracted the attention of numerous college programs. He has received over 30 scholarship offers from top-tier schools, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon. Among these, Georgia has emerged as a strong contender for his commitment.
Georgia’s coaching staff, led by head coach Kirby Smart and offensive line coach Stacy Searels, has made significant efforts to recruit Cantwell. In January 2025, Smart and Searels visited Nixa to meet with Cantwell and his family, emphasizing Georgia’s commitment to developing elite offensive linemen. Cantwell has expressed admiration for Georgia’s program, noting the attention to detail and the opportunity to compete for national championships.
Cantwell’s interest in Georgia is also influenced by the program’s track record of producing NFL-caliber talent. He recognizes that Georgia’s success in the SEC and its consistent presence in the College Football Playoff provide a platform for players to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Development into an NFL Prospect
One of the primary factors driving Cantwell’s interest in Georgia is the program’s ability to develop players into NFL prospects. Under Kirby Smart’s leadership, Georgia has produced numerous players who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, particularly on the offensive line. Cantwell believes that Georgia’s coaching staff can provide him with the training and exposure necessary to reach the next level.
Cantwell’s physical attributes—standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 305 pounds—make him an imposing presence on the field. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism allows him to dominate defenders and control the line of scrimmage. With continued development, Cantwell has the potential to become a first-round NFL draft pick.
In addition to his physical attributes, Cantwell’s work ethic and commitment to improvement set him apart from other prospects. He consistently seeks feedback from coaches and teammates to refine his technique and enhance his performance. This dedication to growth is a key factor in his belief that Georgia can help him achieve his goal of playing in the NFL.
