In a position-by-position breakdown of the top recruits in the 2026 cycle, ESPN matched up No. 1 offensive line prospect Jackson Cantwell against No. 2 Immanuel Iheanacho. They gave Cantwell the edge because of his "quicker path" to the field in Coral Gables.
Comparing Jackson Cantwell and Immanuel Iheanacho
Cantwell, a five-star offensive tackle from Nixa, Missouri, has been viewed as a program-changing win since the day he picked Miami. ESPN listed him as the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300 and the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class when he committed in May 2025, choosing the Hurricanes over Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State.
"Scouting Cantwell, Miami: Cantwell should make an impact right away. He seems poised to replace Francis Mauigoa, who also arrived at Miami as a five-star tackle in 2023. Cantwell is equally as massive and comes from an athletic family, as both his parents were Olympic-level shot putters. Having participated in the field event himself, he unsurprisingly blends his size and strength with good feet and a tenacious playing style. There could be some early growing pains, especially in pass protection, but Cantwell can be just as impactful as Mauigoa."Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill
Cantwell is a potential successor to Francis Mauigoa, Miami's star tackle who arrived as a five-star in 2023. Mauigoa announced last month he is entering the NFL draft after a three-year run in which he started every game and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC's top offensive lineman. Mauigoa also earned Consensus All-America status for the 2025 season.
Iheanacho, a five-star from North Bethesda, Maryland, committed to Oregon in July 2025 and is listed by ESPN as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the cycle and the No. 13 overall recruit in the ESPN 300.
"Scouting Iheanacho, Oregon: Defenders will have to log some miles to get around the massive 6-foot-6, 350-pound Iheanacho. Helping him maximize his mass will be key for Oregon, but he has impressive quickness and balance for his size. Iheanacho's elite arm length and jolting punch knock rushers off their path. A two-time Under Armour All-American, Iheanacho enjoys competing and is laser focused. If he can manage his weight to accentuate his movement skills and power, there's no doubt he can develop into one of college football's best offensive linemen at either tackle or guard."Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill
ESPN's view is that both players project as high-end, NFL-caliber linemen, but Cantwell has an immediate opening in Miami's OL.
"Why Cantwell ranks No. 1: Although both are first-team All-American-caliber prospects, Cantwell likely has a quicker path to the field at Miami, and he carries his mass better at this stage."Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill