In a move that was expected in the recruiting industry, Ohio State wasn‘t the choice for five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.
Cantwell committed to Miami on Tuesday, picking the Hurricanes over Oregon, OSU and Georgia. It's possible this commitment was financially motivated, with On3's Pete Nakos reporting last week the Hurricanes had the highest NIL offer on the table for Cantwell, offering around $2 million to the No. 1-rated offensive tackle and prospect in the country for his first season at Miami.
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ OT Jackson Cantwell has Committed to Miami, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 13, 2025
The No. 1 Recruit in the 26 Class chose the Hurricanes over Georgia, Oregon, & Ohio State
Southwest Missouri South Beach #GoCanes x #NSGBhttps://t.co/5y15Hop09Q pic.twitter.com/xsErPaZ0lD
The Buckeyes made a strong run at Cantwell, as the Missouri prospect took several visits to Columbus throughout his recruitment, including one this spring, but ultimately weren't able to land the highly coveted lineman.
Ultimately, the Buckeyes haven't been expecting to be the victors in this recruitment since Cantwell has been in decision mode and have long pivoted to other options. And there's still plenty of highly touted prospects available for new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen to add to his already strong offensive line class for 2026.
The top target remaining at offensive tackle is five-star Texas prospect Felix Ojo, and we have plenty of reason to believe the Buckeyes remain firmly in the hunt here. Attempting to pry him away from his hometown Longhorns will be difficult, though. Ojo visited OSU this spring and has an official visit set for May 30. He's considered the No. 7 prospect and No. 3 offensive tackle in the country.
Micah "Champ" Smith could play either offensive tackle or in the interior and remains a top priority for OSU. Though he resides in Florida, he's been to Columbus so many times over the years you could be fooled into believing he was an in-state recruit. Though he didn't make it to Ohio State this spring, the Buckeyes are still firmly in the mix for Smith.
Other options for Ohio State in the 2026 recruiting class include J.B. Shabazz, Darius Gray, Samuel Roseborough and Drew Evers.
OSU has three offensive linemen committed thus far in Maxwell Riley, Tucker Smith and Sam Greer, but this summer will provide Bowen's first opportunity to showcase his recruiting chops with premier out-of-state offensive lineman, an area the Buckeyes have struggled with in past recruiting cycles.
