In the realm of high school athletics, few achievements resonate as profoundly as being named the MaxPreps Male National Athlete of the Year. This prestigious honor is reserved for student-athletes who not only excel in their respective sports but also demonstrate exceptional character, work ethic, and potential for future success. In the 2024-25 academic year, this esteemed accolade was bestowed upon Jackson Cantwell, a towering presence both on the football field and in the shot put ring. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 316 pounds, Cantwell’s athletic prowess and dedication have set him apart as a beacon of excellence in American high school sports.
Born on May 27, 2008, in Nixa, Missouri, Jackson Daniel Cantwell hails from a lineage steeped in athletic achievement. His father, Christian Cantwell, is a five-time world champion and an Olympic silver medalist in the shot put, while his mother, Teri Steer, participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and was a two-time NCAA shot put champion at Southern Methodist University. Growing up in such an environment, Jackson was immersed in a culture of discipline, perseverance, and excellence from an early age.
From the age of six, Jackson began training in track and field, initially focusing on the shot put. By the time he was 12, he had already broken the AAU national shot put record for his age group. His exceptional talent continued to shine as he set world records in both the 12-year-old and 13-year-old age groups for shot put and discus throw. These early accomplishments foreshadowed the remarkable feats he would achieve in his high school career.
At Nixa High School, Jackson has been a force to be reckoned with in both football and track and field. In football, he plays as an offensive tackle and has been a starter since his freshman year. His dominance in the trenches has been instrumental in Nixa’s success, including leading the team to its first state championship game appearance in a decade. In the 2024 season alone, he recorded 158 pancake blocks and did not allow a single sack, showcasing his exceptional skill and consistency.
Simultaneously, Jackson’s achievements in track and field have been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, he broke the national sophomore record in the shot put with a throw of 74 feet, 9.75 inches. Later that year, he won the high school national championship in the shot put, defeating the second-place finisher by over five feet. Additionally, he secured the discus state title with a throw of 210 feet, 5 inches, outdistancing the runner-up by more than 15 feet. These performances not only earned him the Gatorade Missouri Boys Track and Field Player of the Year award but also solidified his status as one of the premier throwers in the nation.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Jackson’s academic excellence further distinguishes him. Before his freshman year, he scored a 33 on the ACT, a testament to his intellectual capabilities and commitment to his studies. This academic prowess, combined with his athletic talents, underscores his well-rounded character and potential for success in all areas of life.
Jackson’s recruitment journey has been a focal point of national attention. As the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, he received over 30 scholarship offers from premier college football programs across the country. His top six choices—Georgia, Michigan, Miami, Missouri, Ohio State, and Oregon—reflect the elite status he has achieved in both football and track and field.
In May 2025, Jackson committed to play football for the University of Miami. His decision was influenced by several factors, including the program’s emphasis on offensive line development and the opportunity to work with head coach Mario Cristobal, a former offensive lineman known for his expertise in coaching the position. Jackson’s commitment to Miami adds to the Hurricanes’ strong recruiting class for the 2026 cycle and positions the program for continued success in the coming years.
Jackson Cantwell’s recognition as the 2024-25 MaxPreps Male National Athlete of the Year is a fitting tribute to his exceptional talents, unwavering dedication, and exemplary character. His achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide, demonstrating that excellence is attainable through hard work, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth. As he embarks on the next chapter of his athletic and academic journey at the University of Miami, the sports world eagerly anticipates the continued success of this remarkable young man.
