The football recruiting world is ablaze as Jackson Cantwell and Immanuel Iheanacho secure the top two spots in the 2026 On3 Industry Rankings. These elite offensive tackles have separated themselves in a loaded class, with Cantwell edging out Iheanacho for the coveted No.1 position.
Both represent rare physical specimens whose potential as future NFL first-rounders has college coaches nationwide scrambling.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic as Cantwell prepares to announce his decision on April 30 with Oregon, Georgia, Miami, and Ohio State in contention.
Meanwhile, Iheanacho has narrowed his choices to Oregon and LSU. Cantwell’s cryptic social media post tagging Iheanacho and Oregon commit Kodi Greene has intensified speculation about a potential elite offensive line trio heading to Eugene.
5-Star Battle Brews As Jackson Cantwell, Immanuel Iheanacho Sit Atop On300 Rankings
Cantwell has an extraordinary athletic pedigree. The Nixa, Missouri, native weighs 315-320 pounds, and his elite mobility is derived from his background as the nation’s No. 1 shot putter.
His Olympic bloodlines, as both parents were Olympic track and field athletes, have translated to functional strength and coordination rarely seen in offensive line prospects.
Updated On3 Industry 5-stars after the latest On300 rankings release‼️
35% On3
35% 247
20% Rivals
10% ESPNRead: https://t.co/xPehiXG2DR pic.twitter.com/7EFEiZExXk
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) April 22, 2025
Analysts compare his technical polish and athleticism to Los Angeles Chargers tackle Joe Alt, projecting him as an athletic technician with quick footwork ideal for zone blocking schemes.
“I’ve been needing to go back to Oregon to try and confirm some things,” Cantwell recently stated about his upcoming visit. “I figured I’d just do it now so I could get everything I needed to know in order.”
Iheanacho counters with sheer physical dominance. The Georgetown Prep standout weighs 352 pounds on his 6’7″ frame yet moves with the fluidity of someone much smaller.
His performance at the Under Armour All-America week silenced critics, showing exceptional hand usage and balance in pass protection while demonstrating raw power in the run game. Despite being younger and less experienced than many peers, Iheanacho never appeared overmatched against elite competition.
Iheanacho’s power-centric approach draws comparisons to Jacksonville Jaguars lineman Evan Neal. Scouts noted his ability to overwhelm defenders in pass protection and run blocking during Under Armour All-America week.
Oregon Ducks Position Themselves for Historic Offensive Line Haul
Oregon has emerged as a potential beneficiary of this showdown. Head coach Dan Lanning, a Missouri native like Cantwell, has developed a strong connection with the top-ranked tackle. Lanning personally visited Iheanacho in Baltimore alongside offensive line coach A’lique Terry.
“I like coach Terry, coach Lanning, really young coach, they’ve been winning games and have products — Penei Sewell, and they’ve got some other guys coming up in this draft,” Iheanacho revealed. “I just love the whole dynamic, the whole campus at Oregon.”
KEEP READING: Top 5 Uncommitted Players in the 2026 College Football Recruiting Class
Cantwell’s crucial April 26-27 visit to Eugene has generated significant buzz. Oregon already holds a commitment from five-star tight end Kendre Harrison (No.16 overall), creating the foundation for what could become an offensive line class for the ages.
With Oregon’s line depth chart losing veterans after 2025, immediate playing time is available. Cantwell’s mobility fits their zone scheme while Iheanacho’s power aligns with gap concepts. The Ducks’ development of Penei Sewell into a top 10 NFL Draft pick resonates strongly with both prospects.
While LSU and Maryland remain threats for Iheanacho, Georgia and Ohio State pursue Cantwell, Oregon’s momentum could deliver a historic recruiting victory if Cantwell announces on April 30. Fans are already dubbing the potential trio with Greene as the “greatest O-line in Oregon history.”
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!
