Five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho is one of the hottest prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Rated as the No. 2 overall recruit by the 247Sports Composite.
Iheanacho, a 6-foot-6, 345-pound offensive lineman, has 30 scholarship offers overall and is Maryland's top recruiting candidate for the 2026 cycle. Checking in at the Under Armor All-American Game, Iheanacho provided an update on his call-up as the team begins to whittle down the overall roster, which currently stands at about 18 teams.
Heading into January, the five-star offensive lineman is set to participate Texas A&MIn line with Junior Day on January 11th, volunteer tennessee, oklahoma soonersthe USC Trojans in the near future.
The Aggies are one of the most recent teams to make a serious move on Iheanacho, and are starting to recruit five-star players in earnest.
“The 26 class is in pretty good shape so far, so if they can add more to that, I think they can go even further,” Iheanacho said. “They made it to the SEC Championship this year. They were like No. 10 in the country at one point. I like the O-line coach there. [with offensive line] coach [Adam] Cushing. They always reach out and maintain good connections. So, I was always interested in going out there. They made me an offer a while ago, so I think it's time to go out. ”
Early on, what are the schools that 5-stars are definitely familiar with at this point, and what other schools might emerge as candidates with stronger ties?
“Oregon, sure, sure. Maryland, Pennsylvania, ohiocertainly Alabama [are schools I’m very familiar with]“I'd like to get more familiar with schools like Miami, USC and Tennessee,'' Iheanacho said. “I'm familiar with Auburn and we've had a group there for quite a while.''
As his recruitment begins to move forward in earnest, which coach does the five-star player have the best relationship with at the moment?
“coach [Phil] Penn State's Troutwein shocked me. I [probably have] Best relationship with him. coach [A’lique] Terry from Oregon, great coach. I am very grateful to Coach Terry. We have a great connection. I think they are almost the same in terms of connection. [with Coach Trautwein]. I appreciate talking to them as much as I can. and coach [Glen] Definitely Ellerbee in Tennessee. These are probably the three schools I talk about the most and I think we have great connections so far. ”
What specifically excites Iheanacho about these three schools?
About Pennsylvania: “Penn State is going through quite a bit and it's really close to home. My parents will be able to come watch me play. Of course, being home and being close. isn't necessarily a demand or what I'm asking for, but it's definitely something I thought about. [Head] coach [James] Franklin, I love Coach Franklin. I like their playstyle. OC is great. I like the production of the O-line, which shows how they were able to bring O-linemen into the league. ”
In Oregon: “Oregon State is on the other side of the country, so it’s a bit of a contrast. Like Coach [A’lique] Terry. coach [Dan] Lanning, a really young coach. They're winning the game and they have the product. [in the NFL]. Penei Sewell, and they have several other players in this draft. Like I said, they're all over the country, so it's going to be a little difficult for my family to come see me.
“Obviously there are TVs, but I love the whole dynamic of the Oregon State campus, like how everything is done, from the practice field to the weight room. [is] setting. I love my strength and conditioning coach. love [it] Under there. When I landed there, it was straight love. And the gear is amazing too. It's not the most important part, but gear is great for me. ”
About Tennessee: “Obviously, they have great SEC ball; [have] I got over the hump. You know, the rivalry between Tennessee and Alabama. We've beaten them twice in the last three games, or something like that. they win the match. It's really about getting over the hump and getting to a particular school. Some schools have overcome difficulties.
“I think Oregon State kind of got over the hump. There are other schools that I can get over the hump like Tennessee, Penn State, Tennessee. And I said, I like the coach. is [Glen] Ellerbee, Coach [Josh] Heupel, I also talk to the OC there a lot. They are just wonderful people overall. They are all wonderful people. Also, the location is great. ”
It's still early days, but Iheanacho currently expects official visits to Oregon, Penn State, Georgia and Tennessee, with the Bulldogs still firmly in the mix after being named early favorites. remains as a candidate.
About Georgia: “Before I went to Oregon, Georgia was like my No. 1 place. I love how raw and gritty it is. It's all like good old Smash Mouth football. , are the kind you want to see. [head] coach [Kirby] Smart. I talked to him. [Offensive] coach [Stacy] Seals are great. You know, he produces men. [in the NFL]. Amarius Mims, Andrew Thomas, people like that. They just won the SEC Championship, so you know they won. I like the campus there and appreciate the brand of football overall.
“Oregon State is my No. 1.” 1735842176but Georgia is right there. Second, it's not that far away. ”
Iheanacho plans to reduce his list to about 10 to 12 schools in February after completing his Junior Day visit and knowing all the potential candidates. After that, he plans to make an official visit around August before he starts his fourth year.
As for official visits, Iheanacho plans to make at least four prior to his commitment, with Oregon, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Tennessee currently confirmed.
However, the Florida Gators are one such team, and other schools could also emerge.
About Florida: “My relationship with them started to get better. I was talking to one of their O-line coaches, coach [Jonathan] Deco star. I just started talking to him. I started to like Florida. Early on in the process, I wasn't sure if I was really going to keep talking to him. It was like on and on and off.
“They like it. [flipped] Flip the switch, they could switch a lot of people floridawhich I thought was pretty good. And as you know, [Head] coach [Billy] Napier, I've always trusted Coach Napier. he was a wonderful man. He was really open when I talked to him. [and] It's wonderful just to be able to talk [about] As a footballer and just as a coach. That's why I like talking to Coach Napier; [offensive coordinator Rob] sale. “
If Tennessee's Junior Day visit is canceled, Iheanacho will likely consider Florida State as a school to visit this January.
moreover, miami hurricanes is a recent addition to the team, and the relationship between head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal stands out.
In Miami: “They just had a great season. Unfortunately, they came up just short in the bowl game. But I know that coach. [Mirabal] I am also developing great people and I believe they will take me to even greater heights. I think they're pretty good technically because Coach Cristobal is the O-line guy, and that definitely helps during practices like this. I wish they would pay a little more attention to the details. ”
Some coaches prefer more defensive players. They're like D-line or not really D-line players, but like other positions like quarterback. But we have an O-line guy. [as a] The head coach has been really great to me. ”
While the top four schools consistently aim for Iheanacho, Oklahoma, Maryland; LSU The Terrapins are looking to add their second five-star recruit in the 2026 class after signing top-five recruit Zion Ealy.
In Maryland: “For me, being 100% honest is what I've always done since Zion committed. [Maryland] At my top school. “And, you know, nothing can take you away like the home feeling of being at home and the ability to bring a championship home. Whether it's Georgia, Oregon State or whatever, that's always in my heart. To be honest, Maryland has always been in my heart.”
As the new year dawns, Iheanacho's recruitment drive is as lively and buzzing as ever, with many top aspirants following suit and other schools firmly on board as well. A decision is expected in August, but there's still a long way to go before the five-star player makes a decision on his next school.
