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Why five-star OT prospect Jackson Cantwell ruled out Missouri for college football

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby:Lawrence Fernandez•about 12 hours•

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Jackson Cantwell
Class of 2026 five-star OT prospect Jackson Cantwell from Nixa High School, Missouri (Photo by Chad Simmons/On3)

Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell going to the University of Missouri for college football would have been a logical choice. It’s where he built his name as a dominating force for the Nixa Eagles. Cantwell was integral to a squad that finished second in the Missouri Class 6 state tournament.

Likewise, his parents have strong ties with the Tigers. His father, Christian Cantwell, attended Missouri before winning a silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Meanwhile, Jackson’s mother, Teri, was also an Olympian and a former Missouri track and field assistant coach.

However, as Jackson Cantwell trimmed his options from six schools to four, Mizzou and the University of Michigan didn’t make the cut. Springfield News-Leader’s Wyatt D. Wheeler wrote about Cantwell’s thought process regarding leaving his hometown program out.

“I’m finding the best place that I can see myself growing to my fullest potential. Couldn’t be more excited. I knew I was gonna end up going out of state and playing for one of those other schools. I just knew it was going to happen. Have a lot of respect for Missouri. It’s hard to cut anyone out, but I figured that would be what I had to do today,” Cantwell shared with Wheeler.

With Jackson Cantwell leaving his home state for college football, he narrowed his choices to Georgia, Miami (Florida), Ohio State, and Oregon. He will finalize his decision on April 30 at a ceremony in the Aetos Center for Performing Arts.

However, four days before choosing a hat, Cantwell will make an official visit to Oregon. While the number one prospect from the Class of 2026 downplayed the significance of the timing, Oregon’s involvement in Team USA track events could be a factor in selecting Eugene.

In addition to high school football, Jackson Cantwell is also an elite shot-put and discus throw competitor. He won the national championship during last year’s Nike Nationals held in Oregon. However, as Wheeler added, Cantwell will make his decision based on football, with track and field being a bonus.