Michigan football 'checks a lot of boxes' with No. 1 recruit Jackson Cantwell

Michigan fans have been focused on basketball this week, rightfully so, but it was a big weekend for Michigan football recruiting all the same.

The Wolverines had a bunch of blue-chip prospects on campus. Two visits that were notable were Malakai Lee and Matt Ludwig.

Both are highly ranked players and Michigan football is trending as the favorite. However, the headline visitor was Jackson Cantwell, the five-star offensive tackle in the 2026 class who is ranked No. 1 overall out of Nixa, Missouri.

The 6-foot-7, 300-pounder who is also an accomplished thrower, just visited Ohio State earlier this week. However, he was on campus in Ann Arbor over the weekend and even took a photo with the top prospect from the 2025 class, Bryce Underwood, the five-star Michigan football quarterback.

Cantwell also posted a photo with Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore. The offensive tackle visited during the first week of spring ball. He also wasn't the only five-star as Carter Meadows, a five-star in the On3 rankings, was also on campus.

Michigan football has work to do with Cantwell but according to Steve Wiltfong of On3.com, the Wolverines created some positive movement. Oregon and Georgia have been considered the favorites in his recruitment.

However, the Wolverines have a lot to sell. Not only have they have a ton of success with their offensive line development, and will have another selection at least in the 2025 NFL draft in Myles Hinton, but Moore is also a former O-line coach.

The Wovlerines love to run the ball and if Cantwell committed to Michigan football, he would get to play at least two seasons with Bryce Underwood.

As Greg Smith of Rivals noted, "Michigan checks a lot of boxes."

Michigan will get an official visit this summer and while there is a long way to go, the Wolverines are a realistic candidate to win this recruitment.