Jackson Cantwell, a five-star offensive tackle and University of Miami football commit, is once again making waves online after posting an impressive workout video that showcases his incredible strength. Weighing in at 300 pounds, the 6-foot-8 high school phenom recently went viral for close-grip bench pressing a staggering 475 pounds in his school’s weight room. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), has quickly gained attention from fans and recruiting analysts alike, reinforcing why Cantwell is one of the most highly regarded linemen in the country.
This isn’t the first time Cantwell has made headlines for his off-the-charts power. Earlier in his recruitment process, he posted a video bench pressing 505 pounds using a bench press pad, another feat that left the football and strength-training communities buzzing. It’s clear that Cantwell’s strength isn’t just for show — it’s a core part of his athletic dominance on the football field and in other sports.
Beyond the gridiron, Cantwell is a nationally recognized shot putter. In April, he took the national lead in the event, further underlining his rare combination of size, strength, and explosive athleticism. His ability to translate that power from the gym to real-world performance in both football and track and field continues to set him apart from his peers.
Now entering his senior year of high school, Cantwell appears more than ready for the collegiate level. During his commitment announcement, he revealed plans to early enroll at the University of Miami, meaning he’ll be joining the Hurricanes in the spring of 2026 — giving him a head start on adapting to college-level football and training.
However, shortly after his commitment to Miami, Cantwell experienced a surprising shift in recruiting rankings. On3 still lists him as the No. 1 overall player in the nation, but 247Sports dropped him from No. 3 to No. 10 — a notable drop that occurred just one day after his decision to join the Hurricanes. The timing sparked speculation among fans and media that the rankings update could have been influenced by his choice to attend Miami over traditional powerhouses like Georgia and Ohio State. While there has been no confirmation that the ranking change was motivated by anything other than on-field evaluation, the coincidence has stirred discussion.
Despite the slight rankings dip, Cantwell remains a blue-chip prospect with a bright future ahead. His rare mix of raw strength, technical skill, and multi-sport dominance positions him as a likely impact player at the next level. With his latest viral moment, Cantwell continues to show that he’s not just college-ready — he’s a force to be reckoned with.
As Miami fans eagerly await his arrival in Coral Gables, one thing is clear: Jackson Cantwell is built differently, and the world is watching.
