BREAKING: Michigan football shocked college football world by landing five-star quarterback in the 2025 class
Michigan football stunned the college football world by securing a commitment from five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood in the 2025 class.
The Wolverines flipped Underwood from LSU, signaling that Michigan is now fully invested in the NIL landscape. While this doesn’t guarantee success in every recruiting battle, it positions them to compete for top-tier talent. One of their biggest priorities in the 2026 cycle is five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.
Cantwell, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound prospect from Nixa, Missouri, is not only a five-star recruit but also the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Michigan is among his top six schools, and he plans to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this summer.
Cantwell is also considering Missouri, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, and Oregon. According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, in addition to his summer visit, Cantwell will make a trip to Michigan in the spring. He also plans visits to Ohio State and Miami. While Oregon and Georgia are currently considered the frontrunners, Michigan has been gaining momentum and could be among his top three choices.
Why Michigan football has a shot with Jackson Cantwell
NIL is expected to play a major role in Jackson Cantwell’s recruitment, and Michigan has already shown a willingness to invest in elite offensive tackles, as seen in the recruitments of Andrew Babalola and Ty Haywood.
That positions the Wolverines well in their pursuit of Cantwell, who has already signed with high-profile agent Drew Rosenhaus—an indication that NIL will be a key factor in his decision. Given that he is the No. 1 overall recruit at a premium position, that level of involvement is expected.
Beyond quarterback, offensive linemen and pass rushers are among the most critical positions in football. Michigan has built a strong reputation for offensive line development and a run-heavy offensive identity, which could work in their favor, along with the presence of Bryce Underwood at quarterback. Additionally, the Wolverines are unlikely to be outbid in this recruitment.
Michigan still has work to do, but the fact that Cantwell has scheduled multiple visits to Ann Arbor—both in the spring and summer—is a promising sign that they are trending in the right direction.