Recruiting season is officially a brawl, and nobody’s letting their five-star gems out of sight. Big 5-star names from the 2026 class like Jared Curtis and Jackson Cantwell are already grabbing headlines. And joining the fray is Immanuel Iheanacho, a name echoing across the recruiting world. This powerhouse in the trenches punishes defenders with raw strength and elite technique. Ranked No. 2 overall in the 2026 class, he’s the crown jewel coveted by nearly 31 Power Four programs. Coaches are battling coast to coast, each hoping to land the Georgetown Prep star. Now, the five-star tackle is dialing in on his next move. The race is tightening. A decision is coming. And when it drops, it might shake college football.
On Monday, On3 recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong confirmed what many suspected—Oregon is in the lead. At 6-foot-6 and nearly 350 pounds, Iheanacho is a game-changer, and every powerhouse wants him. His final decision is still a ways off, with December 2025 as the target. But for now, the picture is getting clearer. “Leader is still Oregon. Oregon, Georgia, and Penn State. Those are my leaders,” said Iheanacho. And his latest reveal shakes up the recruiting landscape, leaving Alabama, Georgia, and LSU in a tough spot.
While Oregon leads, the five-star tackle still has plenty of options. He’s eyeing official visits to Alabama, Miami, Georgia, Texas A&M, LSU, and his hometown squad, Maryland. The battle isn’t over yet. On3’s Chad Simmons once noted Penn State’s strong position, saying, “If there’s one school that I like their position early, that’s probably Penn State. He’s been there multiple times, plans to go back at some point this season… For him, academics will be a big factor.”
Five-Star Plus+ OT Immanuel Iheanacho talks about his recruitment and a potential official visit, via @SWiltfong_
“Leader is still Oregon. Oregon, Georgia and Penn State. Those are my leaders.”
Read: https://t.co/VbQJbJ2NCr pic.twitter.com/9tJHeQ5daO
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 10, 2025
But Alabama is still in the fight, and they’ve made a strong impression. Back in March, Immanuel Iheanacho checked out Bama’s camp and left impressed. The Tide’s rep for churning out NFL talent definitely caught his attention, along with their top-notch facilities and close-knit team vibe. “I think the Alabama staff going to meet them and meet the head coach, you know, the next step is trying to get them on campus for an official visit in the summer,” said On3’s Josh Newberg. Looks like Kalen DeBoer has the blueprint—but pulling it off will be a tough challenge.
However, Bama isn’t the only program facing a battle—Georgia is in the same boat. The Bulldogs have long been a powerhouse, dominating both on the field and in the classroom. Iheanacho once had them high on his list, but things are changing. Texas A&M made a big move, and head coach Mike Elko left a strong impression. Iheanacho’s visit to College Station was a success, and the OT is definitely taking notice of the Aggies’ crystal-clear vision for the future. “It was great. I like Coach Elko. Had a great conversation with him yesterday. I was able to see his vision for Texas A&M football as he was there previously when he was the DC there,” Iheanacho told On3.
With momentum building, the Aggies are now a serious contender in this high-stakes battle. And if Georgia wants to stay in the race, they’ll need to step up their game. But what about his hometown squad?
Could the home-state advantage give them a late push in the race for Immanuel Iheanacho?
Is Maryland still in the fight, or have they fallen behind? Well, for Iheanacho, it’s about more than just facilities and game plans. He wants to see the heart of a program—the culture, the chemistry, the people. “I’d probably say how all the players fit. A bigger student feeling. I don’t talk to all the players a lot, so being able to see how the players really feel, obviously certain situations are different. Seeing how certain coaches are genuinely,” he shared.
However, Maryland isn’t just another option—it’s home. The Terrapins have been a constant in Iheanacho’s recruitment, and staying close to family has its appeal. The idea of building something special in his own backyard is on his mind. “Firstly, I’ve been just thinking about being a hometown hero, and if I’d be able to bring back a Big Ten championship to Maryland for my state that would mean a lot,” he said. To be honest, the chance to leave a legacy where it all began? That’s a powerful thought.
As of now, Maryland’s 2026 class is gaining momentum, and big names are taking notice. The headliner? Five-star DE Zion Elee, the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit. While Elee is keeping his options open, his commitment to the Terps has turned heads—including Iheanacho’s. ESPN’s Eli Lederman broke it down on Friday, highlighting Iheanacho’s shifting perspective.
“Immanuel Iheanacho visited Maryland for a basketball game last month and has spent plenty of time around the Terrapins program. And while Iheanacho’s recruitment remains centered primarily on blue bloods across the country, he has been looking at Maryland differently since Elee committed to the Terps in December,” Lederman wrote. With Maryland making moves, could staying home become the winning play?
Don’t know, but Elee’s commitment didn’t just boost Maryland’s class—it got Iheanacho thinking. Staying home is now a real possibility. “After Zion committed, it made me realize I could stay home. Maryland has a couple of five-stars right now. If we all stay home, that’s a top-15 recruiting class. What’s stopping us? It’s about where you can get developed best. But there’s also part of me that would love to bring a Big Ten championship home and for my parents to be able to see it,” he said.
The pull of home is strong, and Maryland’s momentum is building. Will Iheanacho ditch the powerhouses for that hometown vibe?
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