LSU impresses 5-star 2026 OT Jackson Cantwell on first visit

The Tigers are trying to close things out with several of their top remaining uncommitted 2025 targets, but they’re also working to build relationships with the top players on their 2026 board.

Several of those guys were on campus Friday for the Bayou Splash recruiting event, including five-star 2026 offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell , who was making his first trip to LSU.

Cantwell, a Nixa, Missouri, prospect, ranks as the No. 3 overall player and top offensive tackle in the 2026 class, and he was seemingly impressed with his visit to Baton Rouge, telling 247Sports’ Glen West (subscription required), “They’ve got a lot of good stuff going on. I like a lot of the people that are there.”

Cantwell also had positive things to say about the event to On3’s Steve Wiltfong.

“Had a great time at LSU today,” Cantwell said. “Very thankful to Coach Brian Kelly, Coach Brad Davis, Coach (Adam) Kleffer, Coach Joe Sloan, Coach Donovan Tate and Kanan Ray for showing me around and hosting me today.

“Enjoyed the Bayou Splash for sure!”

In-state Missouri is considered the slight early favorite here according to On3, but LSU will hope his first visit puts the Tigers on his radar.

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