Miami reportedly lands top OT recruit for $2m+/year

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Miami secured a seismic commitment when five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300, picked the Hurricanes over Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State on Tuesday afternoon.

A 6-foot-8, 315-pound lineman from Nixa, Missouri, Cantwell is the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle. He commits to the Hurricanes as the highest-ranked member of coach Mario Cristobal's latest recruiting class, landing with Miami days after an unofficial visit to the Bulldogs on May 10.

Despite the late trip to Georgia, Cantwell's finalists battled to the very end. Sources told ESPN that Oregon sent assistants A'lique Terry and Drew Mehringer to Missouri on Monday to make the Ducks' final pitch to Cantwell and his family. Miami tabled the most lucrative NIL package in Cantwell's recruitment, with sources telling ESPN that the Hurricanes offered a multiyear deal worth more than $2 million annually.

https://www.espn.com/college-sports...cantwell-no-3-football-recruit-26-picks-miami

 

[satcheluk]

Good for him and his family. They are bringing in a $2mm+ player, who likely won't start his first year and he's making double any of our starters. This highlights the wealth gap that Stoops is struggling to overcome. Maybe if more fans signed up for s ubscription to NIL we could chip away at this gap.

 

[UKfan215]

Personally, I think it is insane to offer an unproven HS recruit that much money in the age of the portal, especially for an offensive lineman, which is arguably one of the toughest positions to judge talent at. The guy may end up being a stud. But there is also a very real chance he could end up being the next Kiyaunta Goodwin. So many of these high profile linemen recruits just don't pan out. To me, it is foolish to tie up that much money in anyone that isn't a "sure thing". Oregon has Nike money and even they aren't stupid or desperate enough to shell out $2 million + for an unproven true freshman OL.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Personally, I think it is insane to offer an unproven HS recruit that much money in the age of the portal, especially for an offensive lineman, which is arguably one of the toughest positions to judge talent at. The guy may end up being a stud. But there is also a very real chance he could end up being the next Kiyaunta Goodwin. So many of these high profile linemen recruits just don't pan out. To me, it is foolish to tie up that much money in anyone that isn't a "sure thing". Oregon has Nike money and even they aren't stupid or desperate enough to shell out $2 million + for an unproven true freshman OL.

This. Especially on the OL they aren't going to produce much in season one. So you just paid them to lift and practice. Then in year 2 you'll have to outbid everyone again.

Just shows what you can do when you're a big spending program like Miami. You can afford to pay a prospect to practice.

 

[Blueaz]

Good for him and his family. They are bringing in a $2mm+ player, who likely won't start his first year and he's making double any of our starters. This highlights the wealth gap that Stoops is struggling to overcome. Maybe if more fans signed up for s ubscription to NIL we could chip away at this gap.

An OT out may way is getting no where close to that at tOSU, rumor is around 300k

 

[Eagles_Ball]

I teach and coach in the area where Jackson is from. His story is pretty amazing. Both parents are former Olympians. Dad won a silver medal in Beijing and mom won the NCAA shot put title twice, I think. My wife actually worked with his mom for a while. Jackson is probably an Olympic shot and discus champion if he continues to participate in T&F. Word is, that's why he chose Miami. They are supporting the T&F continuing. No clue if true or not, just what we're hearing. I honestly think he starts day one at Miami.

 

[gamecockcat]

No way a true FR OT should be worth $2M. If he's really good, how much do they have to pay him next year? And the following year? This NIL crap is way out of control. Is 'college' football going to become MLB where, many times, where your payroll ranks is where your team finishes?

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

I teach and coach in the area where Jackson is from. His story is pretty amazing. Both parents are former Olympians. Dad won a silver medal in Beijing and mom won the NCAA shot put title twice, I think. My wife actually worked with his mom for a while. Jackson is probably an Olympic shot and discus champion if he continues to participate in T&F. Word is, that's why he chose Miami. They are supporting the T&F continuing. No clue if true or not, just what we're hearing. I honestly think he starts day one at Miami.

I believe that he will start as a freshman too. Track and field is also why Oregon was there in the end. They want those Olympic-level athletes to be Nike reps, and whoever was getting Cantwell was getting a 2-for-1 NIL deal.

I don't know how much an Olympic-level T&F athlete is worth in NIL to a college, but I wouldn't think it's more than 10% of that $2 million.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

An OT out may way is getting no where close to that at tOSU, rumor is around 300k

Is it Aaron Thomas?

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Good for him and his family. They are bringing in a $2mm+ player, who likely won't start his first year and he's making double any of our starters. This highlights the wealth gap that Stoops is struggling to overcome. Maybe if more fans signed up for s ubscription to NIL we could chip away at this gap.

I've seen a lot of hostile views toward NIL on this board, but my hope is that fans eventually just view it more as like a Netflix subscription.

Some rudimentary math (with assumptions regarding sellout crowds) on it:

Kroger Field capacity: 61,000
Home games in 2025: 7
$2m/61,000 = 32.8/7 = $4.69 per home game extra to afford an elite OT, one of the most important positions (and among the highest paid in the NFL)

 

[vhcat70]

Kid should make as much as he can. Tough luck to wealth gaps.

 

[Blueaz]

Is it Aaron Thomas?

A kid from Sandra Day O'Connor HS...

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

A kid from Sandra Day O'Connor HS...

Tucker Smith?

If so, then it's interesting to hear his NIL rate. He appears to be a backup interior OL who could eventually develop into a starter, but who could also be recruited over. He's currently the lowest rated member of their recruiting class.

Is that $300k for 1-year, or is it a multiyear agreement?

 

[Coach Marrow]

Show him the money. A highly ranked tackle recruit is more likely to contribute than a highly ranked QB recruit.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I've seen a lot of hostile views toward NIL on this board, but my hope is that fans eventually just view it more as like a Netflix subscription.

Some rudimentary math (with assumptions regarding sellout crowds) on it:

Kroger Field capacity: 61,000
Home games in 2025: 7
$2m/61,000 = 32.8/7 = $4.69 per home game extra to afford an elite OT, one of the most important positions (and among the highest paid in the NFL)

The difference is Netflix charges everyone the same. I think nil will be better tolerated when there is a cap. Most everyone is glad kids can share in the wealth, but pay to play is ridiculous.

For example, they paid 2 million for this kid to basically workout and get some backup reps. After the season, they will have to pay even more to keep him

 

[UKfan215]

Show him the money. A highly ranked tackle recruit is more likely to contribute than a highly ranked QB recruit.

Not as a true freshman. And that is the point. Nobody that isn't a major contributor should be getting that kind of money. It is foolish. He may someday be worth $2 million, but by then some other fool may offer him $3 million and boom, he'll be gone. That would mean Miami is making a massive investment for the future and they may never get any return on that investment. If I am gonna shell out over $2 million for an offensive linemen, I'm gonna get one out of the portal, someone who has actually played snaps at the college level and demonstrated their worth.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

The difference is Netflix charges everyone the same. I think nil will be better tolerated when there is a cap. Most everyone is glad kids can share in the wealth, but pay to play is ridiculous.

For example, they paid 2 million for this kid to basically workout and get some backup reps. After the season, they will have to pay even more to keep him

I don't believe that is an accurate projection of what his freshman year will be. The top end OT guys are starting as true freshmen now. Miami started Francis Mauigoa all 13 games as a true freshman in 2023. Miami will start Cantwell.

Regarding Netflix, I'm just saying that fans can choose to give a recurring monthly payment that works for them. $25+/mo on a recurring basis could be seen as just as any other entertainment subscription that the average person might have.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Not as a true freshman. And that is the point. Nobody that isn't a major contributor should be getting that kind of money. It is foolish. He may someday be worth $2 million, but by then some other fool may offer him $3 million and boom, he'll be gone. That would mean Miami is making a massive investment for the future and they may never get any return on that investment. If I am gonna shell out over $2 million for an offensive linemen, I'm gonna get one out of the portal, someone who has actually played snaps at the college level and demonstrated their worth.

Let's don't forget that Miami's primary booster is under the microscope for suspect business practices and basically sending his company toward bankruptcy. I don't really think he cares at all that he will not personally see a return on investment. I think he cares more about the status and reverence that he has created for himself by throwing all this money around.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article304348261.html

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I don't believe that is an accurate projection of what his freshman year will be. The top end OT guys are starting as true freshmen now. Miami started Francis Mauigoa all 13 games as a true freshman in 2023. Miami will start Cantwell.

Regarding Netflix, I'm just saying that fans can choose to give a recurring monthly payment that works for them. $25+/mo on a recurring basis could be seen as just as any other entertainment subscription that the average person might have.

A tf ot in any legit league would struggle. Of course the ACC isnt a legit league.

The cost of Netflix is flat. We need an even solution for college sports. Most all of us are glad they can make money but it was never meant for pay to play.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

I don't believe that is an accurate projection of what his freshman year will be. The top end OT guys are starting as true freshmen now. Miami started Francis Mauigoa all 13 games as a true freshman in 2023. Miami will start Cantwell.

Regarding Netflix, I'm just saying that fans can choose to give a recurring monthly payment that works for them. $25+/mo on a recurring basis could be seen as just as any other entertainment subscription that the average person might have.

Yeah, this line of thinking (he won’t play as a frosh) just boggles my mind. He’s the 3rd ranked recruit in the country. He’s gonna be their RT from day one.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

A tf ot in any legit league would struggle. Of course the ACC isnt a legit league.

Freshmen at all positions are expected to struggle, but it just depends how much. Kadyn Proctor started as a true freshman for Alabama, and he did struggle; but he still started, made the Freshman All-American team, and he is still projected as a Top 5 NFL draft pick. He didn't just work out and get backup reps.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Yeah, this line of thinking (he won’t play as a frosh) just boggles my mind. He’s the 3rd ranked recruit in the country. He’s gonna be their RT from day one.

I don't get it either. Antonio Hall started every game as a true freshman at UK.

Cristobal and Mirabal were Penei Sewell's college coaches. They are not going to slow play the most elite OT recruit.

 

[kywildcatsfannumber1]

Kid should make as he can. Tough luck to wealth gaps.

Definitely set for life with this money so long as he manages it responsibility.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Definitely set for life with this money so long as he manages it responsibility.

Granted mom is an HR director, but the HR director for a financial institution. I’d say he’s got a pretty good shot at being responsible with the money. Another fun fact, Jackson got a 33 on the ACT. Pretty sure he scored that when he was a sophomore. Crazy how much the kid has going for him. And to top it all off, he’s just about the nicest and most humble kid you’ll ever meet.

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

Let's don't forget that Miami's primary booster is under the microscope for suspect business practices and basically sending his company toward bankruptcy. I don't really think he cares at all that he will not personally see a return on investment. I think he cares more about the status and reverence that he has created for himself by throwing all this money around.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article304348261.html

More dollars than sense.

 

[vhcat70]

I think nil will be better tolerated when there is a cap.

Unless players agree, I don't see this happening. Why would they? Not in their best interests. Just like MLB.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Unless players agree, I don't see this happening. Why would they? Not in their best interests. Just like MLB.

You're right. The house settlement, if it happens, would bind them, but who knows what those terms will be or if it will even happen.

 

[satcheluk]

An OT out may way is getting no where close to that at tOSU, rumor is around 300k

What's his name?

 

[satcheluk]

I've seen a lot of hostile views toward NIL on this board, but my hope is that fans eventually just view it more as like a Netflix subscription.

Some rudimentary math (with assumptions regarding sellout crowds) on it:

Kroger Field capacity: 61,000
Home games in 2025: 7
$2m/61,000 = 32.8/7 = $4.69 per home game extra to afford an elite OT, one of the most important positions (and among the highest paid in the NFL)

We have a lot of newer football fans, that I suspect are younger and don't remember how bad we were for decades, who act entitled. We have the third lowest cost season tix for most of the stadium and avg + for premium seats. I'm considering buying season tix even though I live too far away to fly in for more than a few games. I usually pay $250-300 a seat for great seats, so maybe I can find good seats and sell the rest to get my unit cost down and my money going directly to the program. Also contacted Club Blue yesterday to up my subscription, but I am trying to get them to do tailgates at away games for all the out of state alumni. To anyone like me, who goes to many road games, please contact Club Blue and request some out state centric subscription plans like a VIP tailgate at some key road venues like Gainesville and Athens etc.

 

[gamecockcat]

I've seen a lot of hostile views toward NIL on this board, but my hope is that fans eventually just view it more as like a Netflix subscription.

Some rudimentary math (with assumptions regarding sellout crowds) on it:

Kroger Field capacity: 61,000
Home games in 2025: 7
$2m/61,000 = 32.8/7 = $4.69 per home game extra to afford an elite OT, one of the most important positions (and among the highest paid in the NFL)

Accurate analysis. Except NIL doesn't come from ticket sales, it comes from boosters. Also, this is ONE player. Miami is paying how much for Beck? For other players? So, yes, for this one player if NIL money came from ticket sales, it's not a problem. But, multiply this OT's payout by about 20 and now it's $90/home game, which, imo, is NOT insignificant. Don't think that CFB programs aren't having to invest millions in 'perks' for recruiting that ultimately does come from the ticket-buying fans. World class weight rooms, nutrition, athletic dorms, etc. and being paid for by program revenues. This kind of arms race only leads to a small number of 'haves' to a growing number of 'have nots', imo. If UK can afford to pay $20+M like OSU did last year, then TX, OK, AL, OSU, etc. will pay $40M for a chance to win a trophy. At some point, the UK's of the CFB world will tap out and 'no mas'.

Plus, all players on the squad put in the practice time, miss classes, miss social opportunities, etc. but only a select few receive any NIL money (yes, they get scholarships). Then, the inevitable star who plays one year, is unhappy and bolts for a bigger paycheck. How does that play out in the locker room? Certainly, some positions/starters vs backups should, in a perfect world, be paid differently. But, your QB driving around in a $300k Lambo while you don't have pizza money all the while getting your head slapped in on every snap has to affect the morale of many players.

I've said it a million times but I believe all athletes on the official roster of every sport should be paid as a work/study student and that money SHOULD come from SEC TV/bowl/merchandise/ticket revenue. They are working approximately 20 hours per week and representing the university (very strong correlation between applications for admissions to the university and deep runs in the CFP and NCAA tournaments so there is an ROI).

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Accurate analysis. Except NIL doesn't come from ticket sales, it comes from boosters.

I'm not being literal about how this money is raised. I'm just saying, hypothetically, if 61,000 people committed to giving an extra $5 per game, then UK could offer that same money to an OT.

I believe that there are more than 61,000 UK football fans. But if you could get that number of people to commit to a $25/mo recurring payment ($300 yearly), then you would raise $18.3m to spend on football NIL. Not far from OSU's $20m, which I'm sure will continue to balloon; but the point is that we need to establish the prolonged commitment of a lot more people to compete at that level.

 

[bigbluedon]

I'm not being literal about how this money is raised. I'm just saying, hypothetically, if 61,000 people committed to giving an extra $5 per game, then UK could offer that same money to an OT.

I believe that there are more than 61,000 UK football fans. But if you could get that number of people to commit to a $25/mo recurring payment ($300 yearly), then you would raise $18.3m to spend on football NIL. Not far from OSU's $20m, which I'm sure will continue to balloon; but the point is that we need to establish the prolonged commitment of a lot more people to compete at that level.

Wouldn’t give a penny to any of these kids to play sports. They already get a scholarship and most are nothing but mercenaries. Nil is the ruination of college sports. If they don’t nip it soon there won’t be any more college sports. It’s BS.

 

[Blueaz]

Tucker Smith?

If so, then it's interesting to hear his NIL rate. He appears to be a backup interior OL who could eventually develop into a starter, but who could also be recruited over. He's currently the lowest rated member of their recruiting class.

Is that $300k for 1-year, or is it a multiyear agreement?

idk... that is just the rumor mill... he has size, but I am not super impressed.
They have another OT that is getting looks and we totally shut down their down down their offense last year
BUT soooo much of stars and recruiting is size.
That is why I don't put much in star ratings, and why I think our "good" classes have underperformed.... the staff and fans are enamored that UK is getting 4 star guys, but it is just size and potential...
I've coached against way too many 4stars and 5 stars, they don't actually pass the eye test...but they huge

 

[satcheluk]

Accurate analysis. Except NIL doesn't come from ticket sales, it comes from boosters. Also, this is ONE player. Miami is paying how much for Beck? For other players? So, yes, for this one player if NIL money came from ticket sales, it's not a problem. But, multiply this OT's payout by about 20 and now it's $90/home game, which, imo, is NOT insignificant. Don't think that CFB programs aren't having to invest millions in 'perks' for recruiting that ultimately does come from the ticket-buying fans. World class weight rooms, nutrition, athletic dorms, etc. and being paid for by program revenues. This kind of arms race only leads to a small number of 'haves' to a growing number of 'have nots', imo. If UK can afford to pay $20+M like OSU did last year, then TX, OK, AL, OSU, etc. will pay $40M for a chance to win a trophy. At some point, the UK's of the CFB world will tap out and 'no mas'.

Plus, all players on the squad put in the practice time, miss classes, miss social opportunities, etc. but only a select few receive any NIL money (yes, they get scholarships). Then, the inevitable star who plays one year, is unhappy and bolts for a bigger paycheck. How does that play out in the locker room? Certainly, some positions/starters vs backups should, in a perfect world, be paid differently. But, your QB driving around in a $300k Lambo while you don't have pizza money all the while getting your head slapped in on every snap has to affect the morale of many players.

I've said it a million times but I believe all athletes on the official roster of every sport should be paid as a work/study student and that money SHOULD come from SEC TV/bowl/merchandise/ticket revenue. They are working approximately 20 hours per week and representing the university (very strong correlation between applications for admissions to the university and deep runs in the CFP and NCAA tournaments so there is an ROI).

I agree in principle with what you wrote, but want to add a couple things. UTn started charging a 10% talent fee on all football tickets that goes directly to their football NIL, so mosty SEC schools followed along, though not all labeled it a fee, with dozens of other major programs around the country doing the same. UK is not one of them, though it does look like K fund donates directly to Club Blue.

Also, as a former UK athlete, I can tell you we spent waaaaaaay more than 20 hours a week working on our body/craft. The 20 hours is just mandatory on field/court time. All the "voluntary" work was not considered part of that 20 hours, but you knew if you didn't go you would slide down the depth chart. When you hear that so/so is n the doghouse, that's #1 on the list of probable causes.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Miami gave him 2.5m per year. Former plays and boosters were all in on signing. They just upping the offer until he said yes. Probably the best combination of size, strength and agility as we have seen. Parents were both Olympic shot putter. Today if he were in school he would be number 2 in NCAA throwing the 16 lb shot at 68+. He is expected to be a day one starter.

 

[gamecockcat]

I agree in principle with what you wrote, but want to add a couple things. UTn started charging a 10% talent fee on all football tickets that goes directly to their football NIL, so mosty SEC schools followed along, though not all labeled it a fee, with dozens of other major programs around the country doing the same. UK is not one of them, though it does look like K fund donates directly to Club Blue.

Also, as a former UK athlete, I can tell you we spent waaaaaaay more than 20 hours a week working on our body/craft. The 20 hours is just mandatory on field/court time. All the "voluntary" work was not considered part of that 20 hours, but you knew if you didn't go you would slide down the depth chart. When you hear that so/so is n the doghouse, that's #1 on the list of probable causes.

Yes, I didn't mention the extra hours of work the athletes do, only the max limit. Sort of like those folks working PT so company doesn't have to provide benefits, but they still take work home to keep up. But, they are on scholarship so it's not like they're donating that extra time for nothing. But, your point is well taken.

Still, @$10/hr work study pay, all athletes would at least have some walking around money and it would be equal at that point. Doesn't seem equitable that a player might not receive any NIL money while a teammate for whom he blocks makes millions. Without his blocking, the star would not receive anything either.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I'm not being literal about how this money is raised. I'm just saying, hypothetically, if 61,000 people committed to giving an extra $5 per game, then UK could offer that same money to an OT.

I believe that there are more than 61,000 UK football fans. But if you could get that number of people to commit to a $25/mo recurring payment ($300 yearly), then you would raise $18.3m to spend on football NIL. Not far from OSU's $20m, which I'm sure will continue to balloon; but the point is that we need to establish the prolonged commitment of a lot more people to compete at that level.

Eh, if that happened (it wont) then the elite football programs n the sec and big 10 will just raise their budget. Historically strong football programs aren't just gonna roll over and let UK start outbidding them for players.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

I've seen a lot of hostile views toward NIL on this board, but my hope is that fans eventually just view it more as like a Netflix subscription.

Some rudimentary math (with assumptions regarding sellout crowds) on it:

Kroger Field capacity: 61,000
Home games in 2025: 7
$2m/61,000 = 32.8/7 = $4.69 per home game extra to afford an elite OT, one of the most important positions (and among the highest paid in the NFL)

Vols squeeze 103k in kneeling and have added 10$ talent tax to each ticket. They are the ones that got this pay to play started and now crying because the schools with more money are outspending them. So that 2m isn't going to get you many of the top kids unless you spend it all on one.

 

[sieken]

Vols squeeze 103k in kneeling and have added 10$ talent tax to each ticket. They are the ones that got this pay to play started and now crying because the schools with more money are outspending them. So that 2m isn't going to get you many of the top kids unless you spend it all on one.

I agree and if UK spent that on one or two players it wouldn't make much difference. UK's history of not caring about football since the 70s is coming back to haunt them. People around the state don't identify enough with the program to enter the arms race. There are plenty of alumni that have the much needed funding but they don't eat, sleep, and breathe UK Football. I know people are hopeful that the revenue sharing model will be the saving grace, I think it's just going to set the minimum. The Supreme Court painted their ruling with a pretty broad brush, efforts to limit a player's earnings will likely be challenged in court.