Shortly after Miami legend Bryant McKinnie posted to X telling the top prospect in the 2026 class, Jackson Cantwell, that playing for the Hurricanes was the best decision he ever made, fellow football alums Jarrett Payton and Vernon Carey Sr. gave their pitch ahead of the five-star recruit's May 13 commitment announcement.
Payton posted to X first, stating, "Hey @jacantwell2499, trade that Midwest chill for some Miami heat! The vibes are electric, the swagger is real, and the brotherhood? Unmatched. Let’s make you a legend in The 305. #Canes 🙌."
Payton ran for 1,496 yards and 10 touchdowns and had 28 receptions for 226 yards and another score for Miami from 1999 through 2003. As a senior, Payton ran for 985 yards and seven touchdowns and had 17 receptions for 136 yards and another score.
Payton had 22 carries for 131 yards and was named the 2004 Orange Bowl Most Valuable Player as Miami defeated Florida State in their last game as a member of the Big East. Following his collegiate career, Payton played in the NFL, CFL, World League and the Continental Indoor Football League.
Hey @jcantwell2499, trade that Midwest chill for some Miami heat! The vibes are electric, the swagger is real, and the brotherhood? Unmatched. Let’s make you a legend in The 305. #Canes 🙌🏽
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) May 8, 2025
Carey posted 28 minutes later on Thursday morning with his pitch that said, "From one No. 1 offensive lineman to another — The U is the move! Something special is brewing in Coral Gables, and we need you!" 🙌 #CanesFootball 🌴☀
From one No. 1 offensive lineman to another — The U is the move! Something special is brewing in Coral Gables, and we need you, @Jcantwell2499! 🙌🏾#Canesfootball 🌴 ☀️
— Vernon Carey Sr (@72_bigv) May 8, 2025
Carey played at Miami from 2000 through 2003. Carey started the final game of the 2001 National Championship season at Virginia Tech with McKinnie out with an injury. As a junior, Carey started all 12 games at right tackle. Carey started 11 games at right guard as a senior in 2003 and was named a third-team All-American.
Carey was the 19th overall pick by the Dolphins in the 2004 NFL draft. All eight of Carey's NFL seasons from 2004 through 2012 were spent with the Dolphins. After his retirement from the NFL, Carey spent some time as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern.
Cantwell is the top overall prospect in the 2026 class in the 247Sports Composite and On3 Industry Rankings. With two senior offensive linemen projected starters for Miami in 2025 and junior Francis Mauigoa a near lock to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, Cantwell would be a likely starter for the Hurricanes as a true freshman.