Nixa’s Jackson Cantwell announced his commitment to the University of Miami on Tuesday at a ceremony at Nixa High School.
“I think relationships won out in the end,” Cantwell said. “(Head) Coach (Mario) Cristobal and (Offensive Line) Coach (Alex) Mirabal spent so much time recruiting me the past year. They have spent so much time checking in with me and checking in every day. We talked so much about offensive line development and what my potential there is at The U.”
Cantwell, the No. 1 ranked recruit in the Class of 2026 by Rivals, is a two-time Class 6 First-Team All-State offensive lineman who stands at 6’8, 320 pounds. He was also named the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year for Missouri and a finalist for the National Gatorade Player of the Year with 158 pancake blocks as he helped lead Nixa to a runner-up finish in Class 6.
Cantwell, also the nation’s top shot put thrower, will graduate in December to enroll early at Miami. That means this will be his final season throwing shot put for Nixa.
“I am not sure if I will have a track career after this. It might be my last year,” Cantwell said.