Not Oregon, not Georgia, but Miami just scored big. That’s where 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell will begin his CFB career. His recruitment is a major win for Mario Cristobal, whose 2026 roster sits at No. 8. The power of his offense alone has shot up with the elite OT’s addition. Cantwell is settling into being a Hurricane. Cantwell is going to be the dealmaker for so many future OL prospects. And Cristobal is already putting that bonus to good use. Cantwell is at work in Miami’s front office, helping the HC land another potential recruit from the 2027 class.

“I chose Miami because I felt like it was the best situation for me to grow and develop, not only on the field as an offensive lineman, but as a person,” Cantwell said when he announced his commitment to Miami. He made sure to point out the significance of OL coach Alex Mirabal, which also influenced his decision. Cantwell’s physical prowess and lethal measurables make him an OT that defenses are going to be scared of. A shot put record-breaker as a high-school talent, and already tallying 286 pancake blocks, Cantwell will be the face of Miami’s future offense. His presence alone is getting other top recruits to give Miami a second look.

That’s the case for the class of 2027’s No. 1 OT, Mark Matthews. Cantwell’s addition to Cristobal’s roster caught his attention, making it a “top option,” reported On3. Cantwell, the No. 1 OT of the 2026 class, is just as keen to see Matthews as a Hurricane. He reshared the news and wrote, “.@mark95matthews “U” already know what to do.” The OT’s much-talked-about $2.5 million-worth NIL deal is also an eye-catching aspect for future OL targets. Matthews is only 16, having just begun his varsity career. He stands at an impressive 6’6” and weighs 280 pounds, making him a highly attractive target for Cristobal.

The HC is known to produce some first and 2 round worthy draft picks regularly, as the same is predicted to repeat with Jackson Cantwell. The elite OT’s commitment, and Cristobal’s record with his O-linemen are two big factors to like about Miami, for Matthews. The combination seems to be working its charm on the target, as On3 predicts Miami having a 54% probability of landing Matthews. From one OT to the other, Cantwell might be able to sell Cristobal’s pitch to the young talent. However, the price tag for the star OT going to Miami is also under fire.

Jackson Cantwell’s Miami paycheck under flak from NIL critics

Miami is known for its money bank, having poached Carson Beck from Georgia for $4 million. But the former Georgia QB is worthy of that amount, especially after playing 3 seasons and emerging as an elite player in the current scenario. Cantwell, however, is yet to play his 1 CFB game. But, as long as he remains committed to Miami until signing day, he is slated to receive a 7-figure paycheck. NIL cynics are back to work, criticizing this whole notion of an inexperienced player getting so much money.

Dave Pollack also thought that Miami is not the right fit for the 5-star target. He is getting an overwhelmingly beneficial salary, at a program Pollack thinks doesn’t match Cantwell. “Where he wants to get to—Jackson Cantwell wants to get to—is the first-round pick, and you go make that life-changing money. And that—he didn’t pick the best spot for that. That’s what I would argue,” he said on a May 15 episode of See Ball Get Ball. “[Here’s] the thing—when you make a decision based on money and not looking towards the future […] for me, if I’m making it just on money, I’m blinded. It’s harder. I can’t make a decision based on what’s really best for me.”

We will never know if the money or the draft-production-worthy potential sealed the deal for Cantwell. But he’s now a Hurricane, much to Cristobal’s delight. It’s only helping the HC land more attractive targets from high school, making his roster even stronger. Can Cantwell’s support hit home for Mark Matthews and persuade him to join hands with him at Miami?