Tensions are mounting in the recruitment of five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, as his May 13 commitment date approaches.
Cantwell has narrowed his choices to Georgia, Miami (FL), Oregon, and Ohio State. Before making his decision, he’s scheduled for one final visit to Georgia on May 10. However, a major development involving NIL has added fuel to the fire.
A recent report from On3 revealed that Miami is offering Cantwell up to $2 million for his freshman year if he chooses the Hurricanes. While such a figure is plausible for a top-tier prospect like Cantwell, the timing of the report — just days before his announcement — has raised eyebrows.
The report reportedly angered several people within the Miami program, who now suspect that Georgia, and head coach Kirby Smart in particular, intentionally leaked the information to make it appear as if Cantwell would be choosing Miami purely for financial reasons.
One source alleged: “On3 published that Miami was the highest NIL bidder for Cantwell. This looks like a strategic leak aimed at portraying Miami as simply buying his commitment. Georgia has done a solid job with Cantwell’s recruitment, but their offensive line development isn’t as strong.”
Some are now blaming Georgia for leaking the NIL figures to damage Miami’s image. Whether or not the Bulldogs were involved, the logic behind the accusation doesn’t seem to hold up.
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Despite the claim that Miami is better at developing offensive linemen, recent NFL Draft data tells a different story. Since 2014, Georgia has had seven offensive tackles drafted, while Miami has had just two — casting doubt on the idea that Miami has been more successful in this area.
With Cantwell’s commitment just days away, this NIL controversy — true or not — is only adding more intrigue to one of the most closely watched recruitments in the country.
