Oregon suffered a recruiting setback when four-star quarterback Jared Curtis committed to Georgia. Curtis isn’t stopping there—he’s now working to sway five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell to join him in Athens. Cantwell, a standout from Nixa, Missouri, is still weighing finalists: Georgia, Oregon, Miami and Ohio State. The buzz intensified after Curtis and Cantwell posted a viral photo together, sparking fan speculation.
Jackson Cantwell and Jared Curtis Photo Sends CFB Fans Into a Frenzy With Reactions and Predictions
The photo featuring the top quarterback and offensive tackle in the 2026 class—Jared Curtis and Jackson Cantwell—sent shockwaves through the college football world, sparking intense fan speculation and bold forecasts for Georgia’s future. The image, now viral, has fans envisioning multiple national championships, or “nattys,” if both elite recruits land in Athens.
JC x JC❔ pic.twitter.com/vgOzbRyOPa
— Jackson Cantwell (@jcantwell2499) May 11, 2025
Curtis chose the Bulldogs over Oregon and other top programs. His decision boosted Georgia’s recruiting momentum, but excitement grew exponentially after he was pictured with Cantwell, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the cycle and the No. 3 overall recruit, according to 247Sports.
“A pair of great looking Dawgs. I see a couple Nattys,” one fan commented.
Another added,
“We need you both! Go Dawgs.”
“Please for the love of God do not get behind the wheel,” another quipped.
Cantwell, who hails from Nixa, Missouri, remains uncommitted but is heavily considering Georgia. He’s also weighing offers from Oregon, Ohio State and Miami. Although he initially intended to announce his commitment on April 30, Cantwell pushed the decision to May 13.
Georgia’s chances with Cantwell appear strong. On3’s Steve Wiltfong recently logged a prediction favoring the Bulldogs. Still, Oregon remains a serious contender. Cantwell has praised Ducks head coach Dan Lanning, calling him his favorite among those he’s met, citing their shared Missouri ties.
“I think my favorite head coach still to this day has been Dan Lanning,” Cantwell told Wiltfong. “I think everyone can understand. Great guy. Missouri guy.”
Oregon, however, has been struggling on the recruiting trail. In addition to missing out on Curtis, the Ducks have recently lost four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt to Ohio State and four-star cornerback Elbert Hill to USC.
They’ve also seen 2025 receiver Dallas Wilson and several 2026 prospects—quarterback Jonas Williams, tackle Bott Mulitalo and defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui—decommit.
KEEP READING: Everything To Know About Jared Curtis: NIL Deals, Parents, and Why Georgia Thinks He’s the Future
Cantwell, who stands 6-foot-8 and also excels in shot put, is the son of Olympic shot putters Christian Cantwell and Terri Steer. Georgia will open its 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 at home against Marshall. The Bulldogs’ 2026 schedule includes Western Kentucky, Louisville and Georgia Tech.
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