Setback for Dan Lanning and Oregon as 5-Star Jackson Cantwell Likely Headed to Georgia
Dan Lanning has proven himself to be a top-tier recruiter during his time at Oregon. His 2024 undefeated regular season is a testament to both his coaching and his recruiting prowess. With the Ducks landing the No. 3 recruiting class in 2024 and following up with a No. 5 ranking in 2025, Lanning’s impact has been undeniable.
His ability to build strong relationships and effectively leverage NIL opportunities has made him a favorite among high school talent. However, one of the nation’s top recruits, 6’8″ Jackson Cantwell from Missouri, is testing the Ducks’ recruiting strength in a high-stakes battle.
Originally, it appeared Oregon had the upper hand when Cantwell rescheduled his commitment date to April 30 following a visit to Eugene for the Ducks’ spring game.
Despite late pushes from Ohio State and Miami, Oregon remained a top contender. Cantwell’s visit, which coincided with his appearance at the Nike Nationals track and field event, left him impressed with Oregon’s hospitality and team culture. He even joked, quoting his father, “Dan Lanning could probably sell ice to an Eskimo,” emphasizing the strong impression Lanning left on him.
Yet, in today’s NIL-driven recruiting landscape, things can change quickly. Just when it seemed Oregon had momentum, Cantwell shifted gears, delaying his commitment again—this time to May 13—and scheduling a visit to Georgia.
This move sparked speculation that Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs had gained ground in the race. That speculation gained more weight after recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong from On3 predicted Cantwell would soon commit to Georgia.
Cantwell expressed clear admiration for Georgia in his interview with Wiltfong, stating, “There is a lot to like about Georgia… the coaching situation is great. I like the development…and they win a lot of football games.”
He is scheduled to make an unofficial visit to Athens on May 10, giving Kirby Smart a major opportunity to close the deal. While Oregon and Miami are still technically in the mix, Georgia now seems to be leading the pack based on recent developments and Cantwell’s shifting focus.
Wiltfong highlighted Georgia’s longstanding appeal to Cantwell, noting that the Bulldogs would have been hard to beat even before NIL became a factor due to strong relationships and a championship pedigree.
Still, in the modern recruiting world, NIL packages often carry the most weight. Even with all the talk about relationships and development, it’s clear the financial aspect can tip the scales.
This NIL factor has changed the recruiting game entirely. Cantwell, who values development and long-term growth, isn’t blind to the financial offers on the table.
While he may prioritize structure and stability, lucrative deals speak loudly. We’ve already seen cases like Bryce Underwood flipping from LSU to Michigan, reportedly swayed by a massive $10.5 million deal.
Miami also made headlines by offering $4.5 million to land Carson Beck. For a high-profile prospect like Cantwell, those kinds of numbers could be a game-changer.
With over 30 FBS offers and one of the most impressive resumes in the 2025 class, Cantwell holds significant power in deciding where he’ll play.
And right now, it looks like Georgia is going all in to land him. Wiltfong suggests the Bulldogs’ NIL package could be the deciding factor, stating, “This is trending back toward Athens.” All eyes will be on Cantwell as his May 13 decision day approaches, and Georgia looks poised to make a major recruiting splash.
