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The Miami Hurricanes picked up an impressive recruiting victory earlier this week when they landed five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell over both Georgia and Oregon. Cantwell, whose father was an Olympic shot putter, is the top rated tackle in the country and he recently showed why with an impressive bench press video.
The 6-foot-7.5, 315-pound Missouri native posted a video of himself benching 475 pounds with a close grip. For those who are unaware, bench pressing with close grip is generally considered more difficult than with a wide grip due to the greater range of motion and increased emphasis on the triceps with a close-grip press
WATCH: Nixa High School’s (MO) Jackson Cantwell benching 475 pounds close grip😳
Cantwell, a Miami commit, is the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class.https://t.co/9nzjFvWyCH pic.twitter.com/QCnVne4TUF
— On3 High School (@On3hs) May 16, 2025
Cantwell, who allegedly landed a $2.5 million a year NIL deal with the ‘Canes, was considered a Georgia lean throughout most of his recruiting process. Many fans believed that Miami came in late with an over-the-top financial offer. But Cantwell says it wasn’t about the money.
“Well, I think my response to it is that it’s not the same narrative that people like Pete Nakos are pushing right now,” Cantwell said via Dawgnation. “I think there’s just a false narrative that that’s why I’m choosing (Miami).”
“I chose Miami because I felt it was the best situation for me to grow and develop,” he said of the commitment. “Coach Cristobal and [OL coach Alex] Mirabal have recruited me harder than anyone in the country, and I believe in their development plan for me in the short and long term.”
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter why Cantwell chose Miami. He has every right to choose the ‘Canes for whatever reason he decides. But it does seem as if NIL clearly played at least some role in his destination.