Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz visits 5-star recruit via helicopter

Andrew Nemec | Sep 20, 2024

Jackson Cantwell on a visit to Missouri /

Missouri Tigers coach Eliah Drinkwitz is leaving nothing to chance.

This weekend, Missouri is set to host class of 2026 Nixa (Missouri) five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell on a visit.

The 6-foot-7 1/2, 300-pound mauler is rated the nation's No. 2 overall propsect and No. 1 offensive tackle, so it's safe to say the in-state target is an all-time priority.

And Drinkwitz wants Cantwell to know it.

Ahead of this weekend's visit, the Missouri coach arrived at Nixa's Friday night game via fly-over helicopter and was spotted on the sideline shortly after landing:

I’m told this is the helicopter with @CoachDrinkwitz of #Mizzou here to watch @jcantwell2499 play for @nixaathletics against Carthage.

Landed away from the stadium but he’s expected to be in attendance shortly.

Shout out to @chadplein for the assist.#FIVESTAR pic.twitter.com/5a1RX0UOAj

— Chris Neyenhouse (@NeyenhouseTV) September 20, 2024

Missouri head football coach Eli Drinkwitz at the @nixaathletics Carthage football game @OzarksOzone @MizzouFootball pic.twitter.com/qR1ETrlEXu

— Chad Plein (@chadplein) September 20, 2024

And there he is! #Mizzou @CoachDrinkwitz here to see @nixaathletics #FIVESTAR recruit @jcantwell2499.

Nixa just got a pick on Carthage’s opening drive. pic.twitter.com/fUVJugQ1yh

— Chris Neyenhouse (@NeyenhouseTV) September 21, 2024

It's far too early to predict where Cantwell will end up, but the Tigers have already made the top 14 - and a strong impression - on the five-star recruit.

"Good program," Cantwell said. "They've been recruiting me for pretty much two years now. They’re definitely a different team from two years ago in that they are very very good now. Coach (Eliah) Drinkwitz and coach (Brandon) Jones are legit. I have good relationships with the coaches there. They got something good going on over there."

Missouri has had some recent success recruiting five-star talent.

The Tigers landed Lee's Summit North (Missouri) five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri last year and have a current 2025 verbal commitment from Spring-Ford (Pennsylvania) quarterback Matt Zollers.

Could Drinkwitz extend Missouri's five-star streak to three consecutive years?

Clearly, this weekend will be crucial.

And he's pulling out all the stops.