By Apollo Lundin
The 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be pretty good. Multiple players at every position are ready to fight for playing time on day one. While National Signing Day is still a long way away, the class of 2026 has multiple Five-Star offensive tackles who need a home.
Jackson Cantwell
Nixa, Mo. (Nixa)
No. 1 OT NAT, No. 1 OT in Missouri
A top-three-ranked player regardless of position, Jackson Cantwell is the real deal. Listed at almost 6-foot-8 and a solid 300 pounds, Cantwell gives power, finesse, and versatility to any offensive line and coaching staff. However, his best fit is left tackle, where he usually plays. Compared to other offensive line recruits, Cantwell has progressed quicker, elevating his ceiling at the next levels.
Cantwell is a two-time state champion in the shot put and set a national record as a sophomore. He also plays basketball.
Cantwell has visits set to Missouri, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon from May through June.
Felix Ojo
Mansfield, Texas (Lake Ridge)
No. 2 OT NAT, No. 1 OT in Texas
At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Felix Ojo has the ideal build for an offensive tackle. Ojo, who is ranked in the top 10 regardless of position, is one of the youngest players in the cycle. Over the last year, Ojo has had a massive improvement in his technique but still tends to play upright. If he can fix the bad habits, Ojo will be a great get for any program.
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Ojo received an invite to the Navy All-American Bowl. He also participates in track and field events.
Ojo has visits scheduled to Ole Miss, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas and Oklahoma.
Keenyi Pepe
Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)
No. 3 OT NAT, No. 1 OT in Florida
Ranked as high as ninth, Keenyi Pepe from IMG Academy is another great five-star tackle in the 2026 class. Pepe is a true 6-foot-7, 320 pounds who should be a productive blindside blocker at the next level. Pepe is quick and agile, making him great in the passing game, but will need to improve his run blocking at the next level. Pepe has been getting varsity reps since his freshman season, eventually taking over as the full-time starter as a junior.
This season, Pepe received invites to both the Polynesian Bowl and the Under Armour All-America Game.
Pepe has multiple high-major offers but only has a visit to Miami (Fla.) scheduled.
Win the Day pic.twitter.com/LGhLwpO4Li
— Pepe.Keenyi (@PKeenyi) January 7, 2025
Maxwell Riley
Avon Lake, Ohio (Avon Lake)
No. 7 OT NAT, No. 1 OT in Ohio
Although the shortest on the list, Maxwell Riley still holds the size needed to be a productive tackle at the next level. Riley stands at 6-foot-5 and measures in at 280 pounds, so he will most likely project as a right tackle. Riley, a four-star recruit, is not the fastest but makes up for it with his technique and power. Additionally, Riley has experience playing inside and outside on the line, which should help him earn a spot on the field at the next level.
Riley has gone on unofficial visits to Florida State, Penn State, Alabama, and Clemson. He is deciding between Clemson and Ohio State.
Congrats @bigmax2026 All-Ohio 1st Team #Shoremenpride @ALFootballClub pic.twitter.com/SuzXh142qw
— Matt K (@coachkostelnik) December 17, 2024
Johnnie Jones
Tampa, Fla. (Berkeley Prep)
No. 11 OT NAT, No. 2 OT in Florida
At 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, Johnnie Jones has a slightly smaller but similar build to Pepe, the top-ranked tackle hailing from Florida. Jones is an excellent run blocker but will need to work on his pass blocking to be successful. Jones also plays basketball which should help him increase his agility and pass blocking. Jones tends to play upright at times, but his power and ability to stay engaged with the defender make up for it.
Jones has upcoming visits scheduled with Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State, Penn State, and Miami (Fla).
