Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs is renowned for consistently attracting elite players, but even though 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell recently committed, even if it wasn’t to Georgia, he won’t be sleeping on it.
Cantwell, a 6-foot-8, 300-pound lineman from Missouri, put an end to rumors that he might end up at Athens when he declared his intention to go elsewhere. Georgia was among the top programs on the prospect’s list of finalists, which also included Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Missouri. In the end, he decided to remain nearer to home and attend a school where he believes he will have the best chance for growth and early playing time.
Most programs might be concerned about losing out on a player of Cantwell’s caliber, but the Bulldogs are in a strong position right now.
Blue-chip talent already abounds in Georgia’s offensive line room, including a number of 5-star lineman from recent classes. Under Smart, the Bulldogs have continuously been among the best offensive line developers, and they are well-positioned to maintain their dominance in the trenches.
Furthermore, Smart has rarely used single commits to construct his rosters. A number of top offensive linemen in the 2025 class are still being pursued by him and his staff, who are still casting a wide recruiting net. With several top-100 prospects, Georgia is still in a terrific position to secure the offensive line’s future.
Cantwell’s choice is indicative of how college football recruiting is changing. Geographical location and early development routes become more significant as a result of NIL opportunities and the transfer portal, which alter prospects’ perceptions of their options.
Given the strong pitches from a number of local programs, Cantwell may find a more seamless adjustment if he stays closer to home.
Having been in the recruiting business long enough, Smart is aware that no program can successfully attract every candidate. Georgia stands out due to their capacity to reload each cycle. Losing a top prospect only makes room for another; it doesn’t rock the foundation.
Therefore, don’t expect any panic in Athens even though Jackson Cantwell’s name might not be added to the Bulldogs’ recruiting class this year. Regardless of the circumstances, Kirby Smart and his staff have repeatedly demonstrated that they will manage to assemble a group capable of winning a championship.
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