Oregon Ducks Lead for 2026 Five-Star OT Immanuel Iheanacho, with Georgia Close Behind

The Oregon Ducks and Georgia Bulldogs are neck and neck in the race for elite 2026 offensive tackle prospect Immanuel Iheanacho, but it’s clear that Oregon holds the edge—for now. Speaking with On3’s Steve Wiltfong, the five-star recruit from Rockville, Maryland, made it known that the Ducks are his top choice at this stage in his recruitment.

Oregon Tops Iheanacho’s List

Immanuel Iheanacho, one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the 2026 recruiting class, was effusive in his praise for the Ducks. The 6-foot-6, 345-pound lineman cited Oregon’s coaching staff, facilities, and recent success as the driving factors behind his preference.

“I like Coach Terry (Oregon offensive line coach), Coach Dan Lanning—really young coach. They’ve been winning games and have products, like Penei Sewell, and they’ve got some other guys coming up in this draft,” Iheanacho shared with Wiltfong.

The five-star tackle described his visit to Oregon as a turning point.

“Oregon is my new No. 1, but Georgia is right there at No. 2,” Iheanacho said. “I just love the whole dynamic, the whole campus at Oregon, the practice fields, how the weight room is set up. . . . It was straight love when I got down there. The gear is amazing. That’s not the most important part, but the gear is amazing.”

Georgia Not Far Behind

While Oregon leads the race, the Georgia Bulldogs remain a close contender. Known for developing NFL-ready talent, Georgia’s reputation as an SEC powerhouse keeps them firmly in the mix. Head coach Kirby Smart and his staff have been consistent contenders for top-tier recruits, and landing Iheanacho would further bolster their already stacked offensive line tradition.

Player Profile: Immanuel Iheanacho

At 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds, Immanuel Iheanacho is a physical force. Rated as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2026 class by 247Sports, his combination of size, strength, and athleticism has earned him comparisons to Buffalo Bills guard O’Cyrus Torrence, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a member of the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team.

“A supremely powerful offensive lineman. . . . Owns some of the longest arms in the 2026 cycle and has better-than-expected lower body explosiveness at his size,” said Hudson Standish, 247Sports national analyst.

Standish also highlighted Iheanacho’s versatility, noting that while he primarily plays offensive tackle, his development could see him slide to the interior offensive line depending on team needs.

“He could potentially become an immediate impact player for a College Football Playoff contender in the run game,” Standish added. “Should be viewed as an intriguing option at RT or IOL with plenty of long-term NFL Draft upside that pairs nicely with ready-to-contribute heft.”

A Decision Looms

As Iheanacho continues to weigh his options, the battle between Oregon and Georgia highlights his value as one of the top recruits in the 2026 cycle. For Oregon, landing Iheanacho would reinforce head coach Dan Lanning’s momentum on the recruiting trail. For Georgia, it’s another opportunity to secure a cornerstone piece for their offensive line of the future.

Fans of both programs will be watching closely as Iheanacho’s recruitment unfolds. One thing is clear—whichever program lands this elite offensive tackle will be getting a generational talent with the potential to dominate in college football and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates as this recruitment race heats up.