It's pretty darn wild how things can change in recruiting at the drop of a hat. Not long ago, it seemed like a long shot for the Georgia Bulldogs to land 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell. He's an elite prospect and there was plenty of buzz surrounding both Oregon and Miami.
However, things have changed in a big way this week, as Cantwell has scheduled a visit to Georgia right before announcing his college commitment on May 13. Interesting timing, right? Well, On3's Steve Wiltfong put in his predictions for Kirby Smart to win this massive recruiting battle. Will it end up happening? Cantwell's response to the latest update sure has people talking:
Georgia is suddently the favorite to land 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell
Hmm? Well then. It'd be one thing if Cantwell came out and said that he's still considering all of his options and that Steve Wiltfong is way off in his prediction. However, the fact that he instead acknowledged the report is pretty darn telling here.
Just what has Smart been able to do in recent days to change Cantwell's mind like this? Keep in mind that nothing is official and a commitment isn't coming until next month. However, Cantwell locking in this new visit to Athens was exciting on its own, but now Wiltfong has people all over Georgia dreaming of UGA capturing his verbal.
Cantwell is the textbook definition of an elite prospect. Throughout his recruitment, he has had every powerhouse in the country working to turn his head. Oregon was working overtime, while Miami was as well. When Cantwell took a visit to Michigan and posted a photo with Bryce Underwood, Wolverines fans were going wild.
However, the latest update now suggests that people are going to have to get used to seeing Cantwell be a playmaker in the SEC, with Georgia in pole position to receive his pledge. Michigan landed the nation's No. 1 prospect for 2025, but Smart is ready to get that done for '26. May 13 will get here before we know it and all signs are pointing to Georgia getting the news it has long been hoping for.