Michigan Wolverines set to host nation's No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2026

The Michigan Wolverines’ recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing, as the program is set to host the nation’s No. 1 prospect, Jackson Cantwell, this Sunday. The five-star offensive tackle from Nixa High School in Missouri is regarded as a generational talent and has become one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class.

On Monday, the 6-foot-7, 300-pound prospect confirmed his visit schedule in a post on X, announcing a stop at Ohio State on Saturday before heading to Ann Arbor the next day.

Cantwell tagged key figures in the recruiting process, including Ohio State coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye, as well as Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome. He also credited his high school coaches, John Perry and Kenzie Medley, in the post.

"Upcoming visits: Ohio State Dec 14 @ryandaytime @CoachJFrye. Michigan Dec 15 @Coach_SMoore @grant_newsome. #NSGB @jperry_nixa @CoachMedley66," Cantwell tweeted.

Cantwell was named the 2024-25 Gatorade Missouri Football Player of the Year last week, which celebrates the best high school athletes for their performance on the field, in the classroom and in the community. He is the first recipient from Nixa High School to receive the accolade.

Ryan Cornelsen, coach of Republic High School, said Cantwell's overall size and strength are something he has never seen before. Cantwell himself also has a firm belief in his caliber.

“Pretty much anything in the run game where I can go down and block linebackers or defensive tackles is pretty good," Cantwell told Eleven Warriors. "I feel like in pass protection my reach blocks have been pretty good as well. I obviously have a lot of athleticism and size, but I’d say there’s a few things I’m doing pretty well at right now.”

The Wolverines and Buckeyes are among 14 programs vying for Cantwell’s commitment, with schools like Nebraska, LSU, Florida, USC, Mizzou, Miami (Florida), Oregon, Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Arkansas and Ole Miss. He is preparing to trim the list of schools in the near future.

Michigan Wolverines potential in Jackson Cantwell's recruitment

The Michigan Wolverines have two prospects committed in the 2026 class: four-star cornerback Brody Jennings and three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile. The school's reputation for elite offensive line development could give it an edge in Jackson Cantwell’s recruitment.

This comes on the heels of its 2025 class, which includes five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, marking a potential back-to-back streak of securing promising talent at the position.

The Wolverines landed the No. 1 player in the 2025 class, quarterback Bryce Underwood. Cantwell’s commitment would mark consecutive classes with the nation’s top prospect.

Michigan is also targeting Alabama offensive tackle commit Ty Haywood, who has remained unsigned till now.