Sherrone Moore, Sean Magee see nation's No. 1 ranked 2026 recruit

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore and general manager Sean Magee made their way to Nixa (Mo.) High to see five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.

Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect nationally in 2026, Cantwell is one of Michigan’s top overall targets for next cycle. Cantwell made his first visit to Michigan last month and was impressed with everything the program had to offer.

“It was a fun visit,” Cantwell said. “I got to meet the coaches and see all the facilities. I talked to the strength coach and the personnel people. I think the campus is pretty nice. It looks like a good place to live. It was an enjoyable visit. I didn’t get to see The Big House because I was short on time. I definitely want to do that next time. I will probably be back. Maybe for a spring practice.”

Moore played a pivotal role in helping Michigan seal the deal with five-star 2025 offensive tackle Andrew Babalola and will look to do the same with Cantwell.

Moore, who previously served as U-M’s offensive line coach, has continued to be heavily involved in the recruitment of Michigan’s top offensive line targets. On the flip side of the coin, Magee has been a leader in Michigan’s revamped approach to NIL on the recruiting trail.

Cantwell is expected to command plenty of NIL offers this offseason and has already hired representation through Rosenhaus Sports.

Cantwell currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $730,000. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV) by combining Roster Value and NIL.

“It’s really interesting,” Cantwell said. “A lot of important people have connections to that program (Michigan). I’ve actually talked to people from Barstool like (former Michigan tackle) Taylor Lewan. With the way college football works, you can have an advantage with NIL, and it sounds like they did with this recruiting class. I’m still learning more about it and have the Rosenhaus Agency representing me.”

At 6-foot-7, 305 pounds, Cantwell is a towering tackle who plays with tremendous power. He also has a terrific athletic background and is the son of two former USA Olympians.

Along with Michigan, Cantwell holds offers from Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas A&M and others.

Michigan currently holds two commitments in its 2026 recruiting class — On300 Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin cornerback Brody Jennings and three-star Dallas (Texas) Parish Episcopal wide receiver Jaylen Pile.