The No. 1 Recruit in the Nation, Five-Star OT Jackson Cantwell, Commits to Texas Longhorns Over Miami, Oregon, and Ohio State
In a monumental recruiting victory that could define the future of the Texas Longhorns’ offensive line, **Jackson Cantwell**, the No. 1 recruit in the nation and a five-star offensive tackle, has officially announced his commitment to the **University of Texas**. Choosing the Longhorns over other powerhouse programs including **Miami**, **Oregon**, and **Ohio State**, Cantwell’s decision marks a major win for head coach **Steve Sarkisian** and the Texas football program as it continues to build momentum on the national stage.
Cantwell, who has dominated headlines as the top-ranked lineman in the 2025 class, made his announcement during a live-streamed press conference at his high school in Missouri. With hats from all four finalist schools lined up on the table, he reached for the burnt orange cap to thunderous applause from teammates, family, and coaches.
“Hook ‘Em”: Why Texas?
“This decision wasn’t easy,” Cantwell said. “Each program showed me something special, but in the end, Texas felt like home. The energy, the coaching staff, the direction of the program—it just felt right. I’m ready to be part of something great.”
Cantwell cited his connection with Texas offensive line coach **Kyle Flood**, the program’s commitment to developing NFL-ready talent, and the Longhorns’ upcoming challenges in the SEC as key reasons for his choice. The 6’8″, 320-pound powerhouse brings an elite combination of size, strength, and agility rarely seen at the high school level. Analysts have described him as a generational talent and a “day-one” impact player.
Sarkisian’s Recruiting Machine Rolls On
For Coach Sarkisian, this commitment is yet another sign that Texas is not just aiming to compete with the best—it’s recruiting like the best. With recent blue-chip additions on both sides of the ball, the Longhorns have now solidified one of the top offensive line classes in the nation.
“Jackson is a game-changer,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “He’s the kind of player that makes everyone around him better, and he fits our culture and vision perfectly. We’re fired up to welcome him to the Forty Acres.”
Missed Opportunity for Rivals
Cantwell’s decision is a tough blow for the likes of **Ohio State**, **Miami**, and **Oregon**, each of whom had made aggressive pushes in recent months. Oregon was widely seen as a frontrunner after Cantwell’s glowing visit to Eugene, while Miami had built strong ties through family connections and NIL infrastructure.
Still, Texas managed to seal the deal with a combination of relationship-building, long-term development plans, and their rising stock as a national contender.
Looking Ahead
Jackson Cantwell will join a Texas program that’s hungry for a return to dominance and set to enter the SEC with growing momentum. With this commitment, the Longhorns not only secure the top offensive line prospect in the country but also send a powerful message across college football: Texas is back, and it’s building from the trenches out.
