In a significant development, Nebraska has lost out on securing five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s top recruit for the class of 2026. Despite earlier optimism about landing the elite prospect, Cantwell recently announced his official visit schedule, notably excluding Nebraska. Instead, he plans to visit Miami on May 9, Missouri on May 31, Georgia on June 6, Michigan on June 13, and Oregon on June 20. citeturn0search3

 

Cantwell, hailing from Nixa High School in Missouri, is widely regarded as the premier offensive tackle in his class. Both On3 and Rivals rank him as the overall top prospect for 2026. His decision to exclude Nebraska from his visits is a setback for the Cornhuskers, especially since Big Ten rivals like Michigan remain in contention. citeturn0search3

 

This development underscores the competitive nature of college football recruiting, where securing commitments from top-tier talent is crucial for program success. Nebraska’s coaching staff, led by Matt Rhule, had been optimistic about Cantwell, making this turn of events particularly impactful. citeturn0search3

 

However, Nebraska has experienced positive recruitment news recently. In December 2023, the Cornhuskers secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who flipped from Georgia to Nebraska. Raiola, the son of former Nebraska offensive lineman Dominic Raiola and nephew of current offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, is the first five-star quarterback to commit to Nebraska in the modern ranking era. citeturn0search5

 

Additionally, in January 2025, Nebraska landed former five-star offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett, who transferred from Alabama. Pritchett, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 327 pounds, brings significant experience to the Cornhuskers’ offensive line, having started multiple games for the Crimson Tide. citeturn0search2

 

While missing out on Cantwell is a setback, these recent acquisitions demonstrate Nebraska’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its roster with top-tier talent. The coaching staff will likely continue to pursue elite recruits to bolster the program’s competitiveness in the coming seasons.