The Hurricanes have struggled to make progress under coach Mario Cristobal, but secured a huge recruiting coup on Tuesday with the addition of the student athlete widely regarded as the nation's best player in the Class of 2026, offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell.

Cantwell (6-foot-7.5, 300 pounds) ranks as the nation's No. 1 player by both On3 and Rivals. He plays for Nixa (Missouri) High School, where he earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in December.

On3's Pete Nakos—who has been one of the leading voices when it comes to breaking down NIL deals across college football—found himself in the crosshairs of the