Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s top-ranked high school football recruit for the class of 2026, recently bench-pressed 475 pounds in a close-grip exercise.
This was captured in a viral video, showcasing his extraordinary strength and underscoring his potential as a future NFL prospect. Cantwell, a 6’7”, 315-pound offensive tackle from Nixa High School in Missouri, has recently committed to the University of Miami.
A Frame Built for the NFL
Cantwell’s 475-pound bench press is no ordinary lift. Performed with a close grip, this exercise demands exceptional upper-body strength and control, traits that are crucial for an offensive lineman.
The video below, which circulated widely on social media, shows Cantwell executing the lift with precision, highlighting his ability to handle massive weight loads. This performance is inspiring given his age and frame, which is already comparable to seasoned college athletes.
WATCH: Nixa High School’s (MO) Jackson Cantwell benching 475 pounds close grip😳
Cantwell, a Miami commit, is the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class.https://t.co/9nzjFvWyCH pic.twitter.com/QCnVne4TUF
— On3 High School (@On3hs) May 16, 2025
Cantwell’s physical attributes are equally astonishing. Standing at 6’7” and weighing 315 pounds, he possesses an NFL-ready frame that few high schoolers can match. According to scouting reports, Cantwell’s measurements and testing results place him well above the average for top-300 offensive tackles and even compare favorably to NFL combine averages for drafted players over the past three years.
Cantwell’s physical profile reminds many of Braden Smith, a former Auburn Tiger and current Indianapolis Colts player, who was also an elite athlete and highly developed high school prospect.
As the No. 1 overall recruit, he brings talent and prestige that few programs can claim. His commitment marks Miami’s first top-100 prospect in this cycle and their 10th overall commit, strengthening their offensive line with four-star tackle Ben Congdon, three-star tackle Joel Ervin, and three-star interior lineman J.J. also joining the class.
KEEP READING: Top 2026 Recruit Jackson Cantwell Calls Out On3, Reporter Pete Nakos ‘False’ NIL Narrative
The recruiting battle for Cantwell was intense, with powerhouses like Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State also in the mix. His choice of Miami reflects the Hurricanes’ aggressive approach to recruiting and leveraging on NIL. A strategy that has paid off, positioning Miami as a destination for elite prospects looking to maximize their opportunities both on and off the field.
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