If you asked anyone just a few weeks ago which program led the race for 2026 five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho, “Oregon” would’ve been the unanimous answer. But after a game-changing official visit to Baton Rouge, LSU might just be pulling off one of the biggest recruiting flips in the 2026 cycle.
A top-10 national prospect and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the class per 247Sports (as of June 3, 2025), Iheanacho’s recruitment is shaping up to be a heavyweight clash. It will be between two powerhouses—one in the midst of a Big Ten transition and another with SEC dominance in its DNA.
LSU Momentum Could Flip the Script for 2026 Five-Star OT Immanuel Iheanacho
Let’s make one thing clear: landing Immanuel Iheanacho is a massive deal. Standing 6’7″ and tipping the scales at around 345 pounds, the Georgetown Prep (MD) standout is the type of lineman programs build national title hopes around.
With a freakish blend of size, agility, and footwork, thanks in part to his basketball background, he’s a rare breed who can bulldoze defenders in the run game and keep elite edge rushers at bay.
His junior tape was pure dominance—zero sacks allowed—and his off-field intangibles are just as elite. Coaches rave about his work ethic, academic focus, and quiet leadership. He’s the kind of player who can be a program cornerstone the moment he steps on campus.
Unsurprisingly, Oregon, LSU, Penn State, and Auburn are all vying for him. But after a recent visit to LSU, the narrative might be shifting.
Oregon had been comfortably in the driver’s seat for months. Head coach Dan Lanning and offensive line coach A’lique Terry built a strong, genuine relationship with Iheanacho early on. The Ducks’ NFL development pipeline, family-like culture, and the fact that Iheanacho’s parents were leaning green and yellow added even more weight to Oregon’s advantage.
Multiple unofficial visits to Eugene cemented that early lead. And with his official trip to Oregon scheduled for June 20, the Ducks were seen as poised to seal the deal before Iheanacho’s August 5 commitment date.
But recruiting is rarely a straight line, and LSU’s May 30 visit threw a major wrench in the Ducks’ momentum. LSU rolled out the red carpet for Iheanacho, and he took notice. Calling the visit “great” and saying, “I can see myself there.”
Immuneuel Iheanacho spent the weekend at LSU on his official visit and the Tigers made a move for the five-star offensive tackle.
“I can see myself there,” Iheanacho said.
Read: https://t.co/wpSquQQWv4 (On3+) pic.twitter.com/2izBft26Un
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) June 2, 2025
Iheanacho made it clear that Baton Rouge left a lasting impression. While he didn’t dive deep into specifics, it’s easy to connect the dots: LSU’s blend of SEC competition, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich offensive line legacy is as attractive as it gets.
Offensive line coach Brad Davis’s NFL development track record, along with Brian Kelly’s vision and culture, seems to have resonated. Add in LSU’s 2025 top-5 recruiting class (as of early June) and their hunger for elite trench talent, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a serious push. Suddenly, Oregon isn’t alone at the top.
Why the Iheanacho Sweepstakes Could Shape Two Powerhouses’ Futures
For Oregon, landing Iheanacho is about much more than one player. It’s about proving they can consistently win national recruiting battles as they enter the rugged Big Ten.
With the Ducks now in a more physical Big Ten conference, having a dominant tackle like Iheanacho could be the difference between good and elite. Especially after missing out on a couple of their top OL targets earlier in the cycle, Oregon badly needs this win.
For LSU, flipping a five-star lineman from Oregon would be a statement. They’ve already got a loaded 2025 class, and Iheanacho would kick off 2026 with a bang.
His presence would anchor their offensive line for years, crucial for facing the SEC’s monstrous defensive lines, and send a message to the rest of the country: LSU’s not just reloading; they’re rebuilding the trenches for another national title run.
RELATED: 5-Star OT Reveals the ‘Biggest Thing’ Separating Oregon From Everyone Else
Despite LSU’s momentum, Iheanacho is still having a busy June. This weekend, from June 6 to June 8, the tackle will visit Auburn. The following weekend, June 13-15, he’ll go north to Penn State. He’ll return to Oregon on June 20 to close the month.
These final visits will shape the ultimate decision. Auburn will have the first shot to sway him. Penn State will try to leverage regional proximity and its own strong OL pedigree. And Oregon gets the last word—a golden opportunity to restore their lead.
He’ll commit on August 5, and you can bet every move he makes until then will be monitored like a playoff bracket.
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