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2026 "Freaks" list incluses Cantwell

No. 4: Jackson Cantwell, Miami, offensive tackle​

His father, Christian Cantwell, is a five-time world champion and won a silver medal in the shot put at the 2008 Olympic Games. His mother, Teri (Steer) Cantwell, was a two-time NCAA shot put champion at SMU and also competed in the Olympics. Jackson, not shockingly, was one of the most gifted shot putters and discus throwers in the world at his age. In 2024, he set the national high school record for sophomores throwing the shot put (almost 75 feet).


The younger Cantwell’s power and explosiveness are mind-blowing. At 15, he bench pressed 405 pounds for four reps, vertical jumped 31 inches and broad jumped 8-10 — at 6-8, 300 pounds. At 16, he bench pressed 505 pounds and did a close-grip bench with 475.

As a five-star recruit last year, Cantwell became the first O-lineman to win Gatorade National Player of the Year honors. The 6-8, 330-pounder’s expected to be the Canes’ starting left tackle this fall. The power numbers that he has produced since arriving at UM have shown just what a Freak athlete he is. His Peak Power output is 9,461 watts. For context: Francis Mauigoa (No. 16 last year and the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL draft) measured out at 9,273 watts last year as a junior. Mauigoa’s 9,273 was by far the most on the Miami team in 2025, almost 1,000 watts more than the next player. Cantwell’s max velocity is 17.3 mph, which is close to Mauigoa’s 17.6 in his final season at UM.
 
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