Five-Star OT Jackson Cantwell Commits to Texas, Boosting Longhorns’ 2026 Class

Jackson Cantwell, one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the nation, has committed to the University of Texas, giving the Longhorns a massive recruiting win for their 2026 class. The five-star lineman out of Nixa, Missouri, chose Texas over other national powerhouses including Miami, Oregon, and Ohio State.

🏈 Why Texas?

In a recruiting battle that featured some of college football’s most prestigious programs, Texas emerged victorious by building a strong relationship with Cantwell and showcasing a long-term vision for his development.

• Cantwell cited offensive line coach Kyle Flood as a key factor
• Praised Texas’s facilities, player development, and NIL support
• Felt “at home” during multiple campus visits in Austin

“Texas felt like the place I can grow not just as a player, but as a person,” Cantwell said following his announcement.

🔍 Scouting Breakdown

Standing 6’8″ and weighing in over 300 pounds, Cantwell has the physical tools to anchor a Power Five offensive line for years. He’s been praised for his agility, hand placement, and ability to dominate in both pass protection and the run game.

• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Recruiting Rank: 5-star, No. 1 OT in the 2026 class
• Strengths: Size, footwork, explosiveness off the snap
• Ceiling: Future NFL prospect with early starting potential

Texas fans are already eyeing him as a cornerstone for future offensive lines.

🔥 Impact on Texas’s 2026 Recruiting Class

Cantwell’s commitment gives Texas a major early boost in the 2026 cycle and sets the tone for what could be another top-tier haul for head coach Steve Sarkisian.

• Now ranks among the top 3 classes nationally for 2026
• Expected to help attract other elite prospects especially on the offensive side
• Reinforces Texas’s reputation as a destination for elite linemen

With a move to the SEC and a rising national profile, this is the kind of commitment that turns heads and builds champions.

📰 Final Thoughts

Jackson Cantwell’s commitment to Texas is a massive win for the Longhorns’ future, giving them a blue-chip tackle who could anchor their offensive line for years to come. As the 2026 class begins to take shape, Texas is already flexing its recruiting power deep into SEC territory.