Jackson Cantwell recaps visits; Nation's No. 1 offensive tackle discusses Alabama, Georgia, LSU

Following those visits, Cantwell caught up with SBLive/SI to provide his thoughts on each trip

5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell on a summer visit to Alabama /

One of the biggest prizes - both literally and figuratively - in the class of 2026 is Nixa (Missouri) offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.

The 6-foot-7, 300-pound teenager is rated the nation's No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 tackle in the country.

Cantwell, the son of two Olympic throwers, is also an elite track and field thrower with hopes of becoming an Olympian himself one day.

Heavily recruited for football, the Missouri product recently trimmed his list to a groupf of 14 semifinalists.

This week, Cantwell took visits to three of those contenders - Alabama, Georgia and LSU - to get a feel for each program.

Following those visits, he caught up with SBLive/Sports Illustrated to provide his thoughts on each trip (in order of visit).

LSU Tigers: "Really good first impressions. Coach (Brad) Davis develops guys at a high clip. Coach (Brian) Kelly seems to be a good dude with a good vision for the program. The visit was pretty fun as well."

Had a great time at @LSUfootball today! Very thankful to @CoachBrianKelly, @coachbraddavis, @CoachKleffner, @CoachJoeSloan, @_donavontate and @KananRay for showing me around and hosting me today. Enjoyed the Bayou Splash for sure! #NSGB @jperry_nixa @CoachMedley66 pic.twitter.com/stZlazpZAP

— Jackson Cantwell (@jcantwell2499) July 27, 2024

Georgia Bulldogs: "(Georgia) is becoming a football dynasty, and it’s led by some great people, like coach (Kirby) Smart and coach (Stacy) Searels. Coach Searels has repeatedly said that I’m his No. 1 2026 priority and that I would fit in very well for what Georgia is looking for."

Had a great time at @GeorgiaFootball. Very thankful for @SSearels, @warericson54, @JEllisUGA, @KirbySmartUGA, and @coachKub_70 for hosting us today. Always fun to visit again! @CoachMikeBobo @CoachDickey1 @TWintersUGA #NSGB @jperry_nixa @CoachMedley66 pic.twitter.com/EbVTJt86S6

— Jackson Cantwell (@jcantwell2499) July 27, 2024

Alabama Crimson Tide: "Bama exceeded my expectations the most. Really fun style of visit, and met two great people in coach (Kalen) DeBoer and Coach Kap [Chris Kapilovic]. I also got to talk to some commits there... way more than I have at any other place, and they seem to be all in on 'Bama for good reason."

Had a very fun visit with @AlabamaFTBL today! Enjoyed getting to meet with @KalenDeBoer and @CoachCKap, and enjoyed getting to see campus and all of the facilities again. #NSGB @jperry_nixa @CoachMedley66 @PlayerProMorgan @freddierch8 @CoachB53 @Logan_mooney6 @EronHodges pic.twitter.com/JMVYfR9Uh6

— Jackson Cantwell (@jcantwell2499) July 28, 2024

Cantwell may still have a long way to go in the recruiting process, but it certainly sounds as though all three SEC programs impressed enough to remain firmly in the race.