Throughout Jackson Cantwell's recruiting process, he has emphasized the importance of relationships with coaches and their ability to help him develop into an NFL-caliber offensive lineman.
There may not be a better one-two offensive line coaching combo in the nation than the one in Coral Gables.
Miami (Florida) is one of four finalists for the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class as Cantwell approaches his April 30 decision. "The U" is joined by Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon as those hoping to land the 6-foot-8, 300-pound offensive tackle.
"They are prioritizing offensive linemen, and they have no shame in admitting it," Cantwell said. "They're putting a lot of time into the development of it, and that's something that stands out a lot to me. I like schools that prioritize offensive line."
Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal have long been considered two of the best at developing the trenches. They've been on Cantwell since early in his recruiting process, and they've shown in recent months how much of a high-priority target he is.
During Cantwell's visit to Miami, he was impressed by how hands-on Cristobal was with the offensive linemen as he serves as the team's head coach. The Miami alum's resume in developing top-tier college linemen dates back to his time as an offensive line coach under Nick Saban at Alabama. He then joined Oregon as a co-offensive coordinator and was named the program's head coach the following year.
Cristobal's resume includes first-round offensive linemen like Cam Robinson, Jonah Williams, and Penei Sewell.
"I think Alex Mirabal is one of the best developers in the country," Cantwell said. "I think Cristobal has a great vision for the program. It's a great situation."
What Jackson Cantwell has said about Miami football, Mario Cristobal
Cantwell in February:"I was on the phone with my mom, and I wondered what the weather was in Coral Gables (when it was snowing and single-digits in Nixa), and it was 78 degrees there. That's obviously not the only reason I'm looking at Miami. They have the best offensive line coaching duo in the country in Alex Mirabal and Mario Cristobal. Then you add in the student life there, and it's not going to get a lot better than Miami, Florida. They have a great situation. You watch Cam Ward last year and realize that he couldn't have done anything he did without those guys."
When Miami football offered Jackson Cantwell
Miami was among the first to offer Cantwell as his name started to take off in February 2023.
When did Jackson Cantwell visit Miami football?
Cantwell made a recent three-day visit to Coral Gables in mid-March. It was his second visit to South Florida after attending the Hurricanes' 53-31 win over Duke in November.
Cristoball, Mirabal, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor visited Cantwell in Nixa in January. Taylor, an Akron grad who played most of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, is the Hurricanes' defensive ends coach.
Miami football offensive linemen NFL Draft picks since 2020
Miami hasn't had an offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft since Danny Isidora was taken in the fifth round in 2017. The program's last offensive tackle selected was Ereck Flowers by the New York Giants in 2015 with the ninth overall pick.
The Hurricanes will likely have an offensive lineman selected in this week's draft. Jalen Rivers is ranked as the 10th-best guard in this year's draft, according to ESPN's database.
Miami football 2025 offensive line roster makeup
- Seniors - 5
- Juniors - 3
- Sophomores - 3
- Freshmen - 8
Miami football 2025 offensive line recruiting class
Seauseu Alofaituli — Four-star interior offensive lineman ranked as the No. 151 player in the country.
Max Buchanan — Three-star interior offensive lineman.
Jaden Wilkerson — Three-star offensive tackle.
Demetrius Campbell — Three-star offensive tackle.
James Brockermeyer — TCU interior offensive line transfer.
