Done Deal: Five-Star OT Jackson Cantwell’s Newly Announced Frontrunner Has Sherrone Moore and Dan Lanning on High Alert, According to Recruiting Intel
In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, few things stir up excitement and anxiety quite like a five-star prospect’s recruitment process. Enter Jackson Cantwell, a towering offensive tackle from the class of 2025 whose name has been at the top of recruiting boards for months. Known for his rare blend of size, skill, and athleticism, Cantwell has long been a coveted target for college coaches across the country. Now, with his recruitment entering the final stages, Cantwell has made headlines by announcing a frontrunner for his commitment—a move that has set off alarm bells in coaching circles, particularly for Michigan’s Sherrone Moore and Oregon’s Dan Lanning.
The Recruitment of Jackson Cantwell
Jackson Cantwell is one of the most highly rated recruits in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’7” and weighing in at 310 pounds, Cantwell possesses the physical attributes that make him an immediate candidate for success at the next level. His blend of size, mobility, and raw power makes him an ideal offensive tackle prospect, capable of protecting a quarterback’s blind side or anchoring a running game. Across the country, college football programs have been scrambling to get in on the action, with some of the most successful teams in the nation making their pitches to the five-star prospect.
Cantwell’s versatility and high ceiling have drawn attention from elite programs in both the Power Five conferences and beyond. From the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to the Big Ten, Cantwell’s recruitment has been the subject of high-stakes recruiting battles. His decision could ultimately shift the balance of power for whichever program lands him.
The Newly Announced Frontrunner
As recruiting insiders closely monitor Cantwell’s decision-making process, the prospect recently made a significant announcement that has taken the entire recruiting world by surprise. The five-star offensive tackle has named a new frontrunner in his recruitment—a program that has risen swiftly to the top of his list, sending shockwaves through the college football landscape.
Though Cantwell has been fairly tight-lipped about the full details of his recruitment, insiders have indicated that the frontrunner is none other than the University of Oregon. Oregon’s football program, under the guidance of head coach Dan Lanning, has experienced a steady rise in recruiting power since Lanning’s arrival in Eugene. The Ducks’ successful recruiting efforts in recent years, including their ability to secure top-tier talent on both sides of the ball, have made them a legitimate contender for Cantwell’s services.
However, the move has created a sense of urgency for some of the country’s top recruiting minds. Specifically, two coaches in particular are now on high alert: Sherrone Moore of Michigan and Dan Lanning of Oregon.
Sherrone Moore’s Response
Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s offensive line coach, has been a key figure in the Wolverines’ successful recruitment of top offensive linemen over the years. Known for his ability to develop talent at the position, Moore has helped elevate Michigan’s offensive line into one of the nation’s best in recent seasons. Moore’s presence on the recruiting trail has been instrumental in attracting some of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in the country, and the Wolverines were initially seen as one of the leading contenders for Cantwell’s commitment.
However, Cantwell’s recent announcement that Oregon is his new frontrunner has caught Moore’s attention, and now the battle for Cantwell’s services looks to be more intense than ever. Moore has long been known for his recruiting tenacity and his ability to close deals, so his next moves will be crucial as he seeks to sway Cantwell back toward Michigan. With Cantwell’s recruitment entering its final stretch, Michigan will need to make a compelling case, one that emphasizes the program’s long-term success, tradition, and player development, especially at a position as pivotal as offensive tackle.
Dan Lanning’s High Stakes Gamble
For Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning, securing Cantwell’s commitment could be the final piece needed to push his program into national contention. Lanning has quickly become one of the brightest young minds in college football, and his ability to recruit has helped elevate Oregon’s recruiting profile. However, even with the Ducks sitting in the driver’s seat for Cantwell’s commitment, Lanning is far from guaranteed to land the five-star tackle.
The competition for Cantwell’s services is fierce, with several other programs continuing to make their case. While the Ducks are currently the frontrunner, there is still work to be done in making Cantwell feel comfortable with his decision, especially with other programs looking to make a late push. Lanning and his staff will need to sell Cantwell on the program’s vision for his future, the opportunity to play in a high-profile offense, and the overall development opportunities that would await him in Eugene.
The Impact of Cantwell’s Decision
Cantwell’s commitment will be one of the most closely watched in college football for the 2025 class. His decision not only carries weight for the program that lands him but also for the programs left behind. For Michigan, the potential loss of Cantwell would be a significant blow to their 2025 recruiting class, particularly on the offensive line. Conversely, for Oregon, securing Cantwell could signal the beginning of an even brighter future, one in which the Ducks continue to position themselves among the elite programs in college football.
For now, all eyes are on Jackson Cantwell as he moves toward making his final decision. The recruiting battle is far from over, and with both Sherrone Moore and Dan Lanning now in full-on scramble mode, the next few months could feature an intense and thrilling conclusion to one of the most anticipated recruitments of the 2025 cycle.
