Michigan football appears to keep climbing for the nation's No. 1 2026 prospect

After landing the No. 1 player in the country for the 2025 class, can the Michigan Wolverines do so once again for 2026? Yup, people are still fired up over quarterback Bryce Underwood making his way to Ann Arbor, as he's got Big Ten superstar written all over him.

For the next 4-5 years, though, Michigan is going to need to prioritize getting quality protection for him. Enter Jackson Cantwell? Ranked the top prospect in the land for '26, Cantwell is down to six finalists and he has locked in his official visits. He'll be taking two spring visits to Michigan, though, with the Wolverines reportedly making a strong move to get him on board:

Michigan is a team to follow for 5-star Jackson Cantwell and his recruitment

Obviously, this is a pretty big update from Simmons on Cantwell. While it indeed is a positive turn of events, keep in mind that Cantwell also recently revealed that the favorite head coach he has interacted with has been Oregon's Dan Lanning.

That's enough to make people worry, as Lanning is also a Missouri native, which is something the two have been able to bond over. With that said, Michigan is Michigan and the Wolverines aren't going to take a back seat to anyone.

We're also two seasons removed from when Michigan, led by former head coach Jim Harbaugh, took down Washington to win the National Championship. Now, the Wolverines are building for the future and a return trip to the title game. The hope is that Underwood will get them there.

He's going to need some major help, though, which is where someone like Cantwell can come in. On March 7, he'll be in town for his unofficial visit and then June 13, he'll be back in Ann Arbor for his official visit. Head coach Sherrone Moore has two opportunities to make a lasting impact on the elite prospect. It goes without saying, but landing Cantwell would be incredible for Moore and Co.