Miami recruit Jackson Cantwell named Gatorade National Football POY

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Jackson Cantwell of Nixa (Mo.) has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, cementing his place among the nation’s most elite high school athletes.

Former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle and Hall of Famer Joe Thomas surprised Cantwell with the honor, adding a personal touch to the announcement thanks to their family connection and prior meetings.

Cantwell, a 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive tackle and University of Miami commit, rose above more than one million high school football players nationwide to earn the award.

"Jackson is the top offensive line prospect to come out of the last several recruiting cycles,” said Steven Wilfong, VP of Recruiting for 247Sports, in a statement. “He brings a terrific blend of size, power and athleticism along with a high football IQ – it’s easy to see why he was so heavily coveted by the nation’s top programs, and he should be an immediate difference-maker for Miami. Jackson’s an explosive player on the line of scrimmage who the Hurricanes are going to be able to run behind for years to come.” 

Cantwell anchored Nixa High School’s offensive line, leading the Eagles to a 13-0 record and a berth in the Missouri Class 6 state championship game. His dominance was evident in the 173 pancake blocks he recorded this season, helping Nixa average 45.8 points per game and nearly 10 yards per play.

Off the field, Cantwell has maintained a 4.0 GPA, volunteered at the Least of These Food Pantry, and served as a youth track coach, embodying the award’s emphasis on excellence in academics and community leadership.

By joining past winners like Peyton Manning, Nick Singleton and Keelon Russell, Cantwell enters a legacy of athletes who have gone on to NFL stardom.

Photos from Gatorade photoshoot with Jackson Cantwell

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: 2025-26 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year winner revealed

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