After a stellar performance at left tackle, five-star freshman Jackson Cantwell's social media activity sparks speculation about a shift to solidify the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes' evolving offensive front.
MIAMI, Fla. – It hasn’t been the start to the 2026 college football season many anticipated for Miami Hurricanes freshman and former five-star recruit Jackson Cantwell, but perhaps the tide could be turning.
Several outlets and fans projected the 18-year-old to be a starter on the team’s reconstructed offensive line, specifically at left tackle. It’s Cantwell’s natural position from high school, but the job is currently occupied by redshirt junior Samson Okunlola. He’s currently undergoing the program’s offensive linemen cross-training.
Cantwell has logged 78 snaps this season at the line of scrimmage, 59 slated at right guard. He has a 6-8 and 330-pound frame, which can overwhelm defensive tackles, but the change in position hasn’t resulted in an extended role. However, a path to the field might just be at left tackle for now.
After playing 16 snaps in last Saturday’s 52-3 win over Central Michigan, Cantwell was the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus-graded freshman (83.9) among the Power Four conferences in Week 4. He was inserted back at left tackle and expressed excitement about it on social media.
Regardless, the Nixa (Mo.) native is likely to continue practicing at multiple positions on the offensive line. Plus, staying at left tackle only limits opportunities rather than expand. Okunlola has played over 200 snaps this season and 88.1 percent of them (215 of 244) came at that position. Unless the Hurricanes look to split the workload, similar to last season with left guard. Okunlola and Matthew McCoy shared the job and contributed to the offensive line’s success.
Cantwell still has to earn the trust of the coaching staff and part of that could come with being able to play multiple positions. The Hurricanes have reliable veterans at both tackles and center. If Cantwell were to cement a consistent role on the offensive line, it’s likely at either guard spot. Unless he grabs the left tackle job and Okunlola slides back to the interior.
These are decisions made based on what happens behind the closed doors of Greentree Practice Fields and the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility.
Cantwell was a top-10 elite national recruit with 459 pancake blocks coming from Nixa High School in Missouri. Talent isn’t a question, but whether he can fit the Hurricanes’ current schemes? Cantwell will have another opportunity to prove himself in this Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference clash against Clemson at Memorial Stadium, otherwise known as Death Valley.
Whether it’s left tackle or anywhere else on the offensive line, the freshman has to be ready to answer the call at any point.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
