In perhaps the boldest move to rock the college football recruiting realm, the Miami Hurricanes have apparently made an offer valued at an astounding $2 million as a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer to 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.
The offer from Miami is an audacious move that shows how keen the institution is on signing top talent in college football. The Hurricanes have a reputation for spending big on elite recruits, and Cantwell’s recruitment is no exception.
Miami Goes All-In on Jackson Cantwell with $2M NIL Offer
Cantwell, the country’s No. 1 OT for class 2026, is not only a dominant force on the field but also boasts a strong athletic pedigree. His father is an Olympic silver medalist in the shot put, and his mother used to be an NCAA champion. With more than 30 offers of scholarships, Cantwell’s recruitment has been one of the most watched in recent history.
NEW: Miami has the most lucrative first-year deal on the table for 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell, sitting around the $2M mark, @PeteNakos_ reports💰
Intel: https://t.co/ll3WkPuveP https://t.co/vekdqh3Z3A pic.twitter.com/48vLjYF4QX
— On3 (@On3sports) May 7, 2025
The $2 million NIL offer Miami is said to offer Cantwell for his freshman year would be the highest-known first-year NIL offer in college football. This aggressive approach signals the Hurricanes’ determination to revitalize their program by securing elite talent and boosting their appeal through significant NIL incentives.
Despite Miami’s strong financial offer, the Georgia Bulldogs remain a major contender in Cantwell’s recruitment. With the commitment of No. 1 quarterback Jared Curtis, Georgia’s recruiting class has skyrocketed in national rankings.
The Bulldogs have hosted Cantwell multiple times, and he is widely viewed as their preferred candidate. Projections put his chances of making it to the Bulldog camp at 73.7%.
Head coach Kirby Smart is well-known for his ability to recruit top talent. He often refers to the so-called “Georgia discount,” when players accept lower NIL to compete for national championships.
Cantwell plans an unofficial visit to Georgia on May 10 and is set to announce his final decision on May 13.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Thus, as the commitment date is approaching, college football fans are eager to know which direction Cantwell is going to take. Without a doubt, he is in a dilemma. Will he choose what is billed as the highest NIL contract offer in college football history or sign with Georgia and their championships?
Whichever path he chooses, Cantwell’s option this summer will likely have consequences on the shape of college football recruiting.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
