Immanuel Iheanacho’s recruitment has been a saga. Pursued by the likes of Penn State, Auburn, and LSU, the drama seemed over for the five-star offensive tackle when he announced his commitment to Oregon on July 3. He announced the whole thing on The Pat McAfee Show. However, the pursuit of recruits only stops in college football on signing day. That’s true for Iheanacho as well. The OT is still being recruited hard, and one SEC program, in particular, is having a good go at it.

The Week 3 clash between Florida and LSU had plenty of storylines. The Tigers’ winning streak; Billy Napier on the hot seat. The game also saw Iheanacho’s recruitment getting played out. The five-star offensive tackle from Baltimore unexpectedly traveled to Baton Rouge for LSU’s Week 3 victory. It was definitely not your typical game-day experience. Iheanacho told Rivals, “I expected it to be good, but it was better than good.” It’s safe to say that LSU did make an impression.

This was Iheanacho’s third visit to LSU, following an official summer trip and a spring stay. On the field, he was once again impressed by the Tigers. “The way the team executed stood out… The offensive line opened holes when they needed to, the defense attacked, and the team maintained composure through adversity, especially early in the game,” he said. Although the Baltimore product is staying with Oregon, he has taken notice of LSU’s persistent recruiting efforts.

It is clear that Brad Davis, the offensive line coach at LSU, has not given up on the star lineman. “Coach Davis has not given up on me… he is headhunting. He still wants me,” Iheanacho admitted. He expressed how much he loved the visit, even as he affirmed his commitment to Oregon.

“I still like LSU. They are still No. 2 for me… they made me feel at home. It was a great atmosphere,” he said. Dan Lanning needs to be prepared for the upcoming trips to Penn State and Eugene because Iheanacho is open to being approached, and LSU is playing its cards right.

Immanuel Iheanacho’s Oregon commitment

Immanuel Iheanacho is one of the hottest recruits in the 2026 class, and it’s no surprise that so many top programs want him. He wasn’t shy about the fact that Oregon stood out to him going into summer. He said, “Oregon is the top school, but these official visits will play a big part in my final decision..My relationship with the coaches at Oregon is what has them at the top. I like the staff a lot, and we can talk about anything.”

Iheanacho and Oregon have a relationship based on trust and opportunity that goes beyond a simple recruiting strategy. He has been to Eugene twice and has always left feeling impressed. “My second visit there was great. I loved my first one, too. My parents also love Oregon, so it helps to get their opinion,” he explained.

The program has only become appealing due to the Ducks’ reputation for producing NFL talent, such as Josh Conerly Jr., and developing offensive linemen. “Going all the way there is gonna be pretty tough, but I just know that it’s gonna be worth it in the end,” Iheanacho said.