Alabama one of the ‘most fun visits’ in early stages of recruitment for five-star lineman
Alabama hosted one of the premier overall recruits in the ’26 class for its Champions Cook-Out on Sunday. Jackson Cantwell, five-star offensive lineman from Nixa High School in Missouri, returned to Tuscaloosa for the first time since Coach Kalen DeBoer was announced as the Tide’s head coach. The No. 4 overall player in the On300 had previously visited during the Nick Saban era.
Cantwell did an SEC swing after the dead period ended (7/25) which included trips to LSU on Friday, Georgia on Saturday before arriving at Alabama later in the evening. Cantwell had a prior connection with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, and learned more about the new staff during his time at the Capstone.
“This was my first visit in the DeBoer-era,” Cantwell said. “It was one of the most fun visits I’ve ever been on. I enjoyed it a lot. I got to meet the coaches. I thought the scavenger hunt was a lot of fun. We ate some good food and talked to some of the commits.”
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Jackson Cantwell with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer
Plenty of highlights of the visit according to Cantwell which also included an outstanding food spread. The show-stoppers were the fried catfish, and mac and cheese per the massive lineman. It was more than just a cook-out for the visitors.
“I’d say the style of the visit was the best part,” he said. “I’m not sure exactly what it was, but it was just a lot of fun. The scavenger hunt was interesting. We were in golf carts flying around campus and doing various challenges. I was with the OL group- we definitely didn’t win. That’s for sure, but we had a lot fun along the way.
“Just running around doing all the things we did and getting to meet everyone. I really enjoyed it a lot. It was a fun day. I also talked to the strength coach (David Ballou). I was super impressed. I like Coach Ballou a lot. He’s been really good the last few years especially at Alabama.”
The 6-foot-7.5, 305-pounder started his visit with Alabama early Sunday morning. He arrived at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility between 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. He was immediately greeted by Coach ‘Kap’. The family went to his office to get better acquainted. Coach Kap has previously made stops at Cantwell’s school, but this was the first time visiting him in the office.
“We talked ball, and talked a lot about Alabama,” the top player in Missouri told BOL. “He talked about what their offensive line is looking like this fall, and what he expects this upcoming season. We just talked about stuff like that.
“I like Coach Kap a lot. He’s a good dude. I knew him a little bit when he was at Michigan State. He’s also come by high school. He’s really good at what he does. He’s been in the game for a while. There is no doubt he’s going to be a really good coach at Bama.”
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From L to R (Desmond Green, Jackson Cantwell, Alabama OL coach Chris Kapilovic, Mal Waldrep, Ty Haywood
Alabama has pieced together perhaps the best offensive line class in the country. The list includes three players who rank among the Top 27 overall players such as Ty Haywood, Michael Carroll and Jackson Lloyd. Cantwell spent time with Haywood along with a few other Alabama OL commitments during the trip.
“Coach Kap talked about how the ’25 class looks solid,” Cantwell said in regards to Alabama’s class complete at the position. “You can see what Bama is trying to do here in the future. They want to get a good class going for next year. Stack talent and form a solid roster for the next few years to compete for championships.
“I had not met any of the other offensive line commits before. I talked to Ty, Mal (Waldrep) and Micah (DeBose). Coach Kap had not instructed them to recruit me from what they said, but it appeared they were trying for sure. Those guys just love their team, and they want to make it better. Just like the guys who came before them.”
Cantwell spoke highly of Alabama with BOL prior to the visit. This was, however, the first opportunity for a face-to-face meeting with Coach DeBoer. He is also the No. 2 ranked high school shot putter in the nation. Cantwell has the opportunity to continue with track and field at the next level.
“I talked to Coach DeBoer for a little bit,” he said. “We talked a little bit about everything. We talked about how I got here to this point, and he talked about his journey. I learned a lot about his story. I know that he’s won everywhere he’s been. It was cool to learn more about how all of that happened.
“I met with the track and field head coach (Dan Waters) and Coach Yush during the visit. That was really good. Coach DeBoer is understanding about it, and said I will be able to do both sports. It certainly sounded very promising.”
A decision is not expected any time soon for the elite prospect. He recently released a top 14 and still considering which schools to visit this fall. Cantwell visited Alabama last spring, and he returned for the ‘Third Saturday in October’ against Tennessee last season. He added Alabama made a strong impression and continues to remain a top contender.
“Alabama is a good school,” Cantwell concluded. “There is a lot of like-minded people still there. I know they will be successful in the future. I will see what I can do about coming back for a visit this fall. I know I want to make a few trips. This visit definitely did not hurt their chances.”
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