Mario Cristobal’s perfect response after Miami lands 2026’s No. 1 recruit despite NIL backlash

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal’s voice echoed through the ACC spring meetings this week — and with good reason.

According to CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello, a loud yell came from one of the meeting rooms in Charlotte, and it didn’t take long to figure out who was behind it.

“I can confirm it was Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, who was celebrating after he landed 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell,” Marcello posted.

Cristobal’s reaction was as simple as it was explosive: “Let’s go!”

That shout marked a massive recruiting win for the Hurricanes, as Cantwell — the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class — committed to Miami over Oregon, Ohio State and Georgia. The 6-foot-7, 325-pound Missouri native and son of 2008 Olympic silver medalist shot putter Christian Cantwell cited more than just football as his reason for heading to Coral Gables.

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“I chose Miami because I felt it was the best situation for me to grow and develop, not only on the field as an offensive lineman but as a person,” Cantwell said. “Coach Cristobal and Mirabal have recruited me harder than anyone in the country, and I believe in their development plan for me in the short and long term.”

Still, in the era of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), many were quick to assume Miami simply made the highest offer. On3’s J.D. PicKell acknowledged the chatter but pushed back on the idea that Cantwell’s decision was based solely on money.

“A lot of people are going to be toxic and bitter and say, ‘Well, he just chose Miami because they probably threw a bag at him, right?’” PicKell said. “If it was about money, anybody could have paid him.”

Instead, PicKell pointed to Miami’s developmental pipeline under Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, noting the success of former Oregon Ducks, current Detroit Lions star Penei Sewell and current Hurricanes lineman Francis Mauigoa

Sewell was the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Mauigoa, likewise, is projected to be a first round selection in next year's draft.

“There is like a legitimate professional developmental aspect of this for Jackson Cantwell as to why it would make sense to go to Miami,” PicKell added.

With Cantwell on board, Miami’s 2026 recruiting class jumped to No. 9 in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings. The Hurricanes are now in position to secure a third top-10 class in four years — proving that while NIL is a factor, Miami’s pitch still starts with development and ends with results.