Has Immanuel Iheanacho made a decision? The 5-star offensive lineman has finished his official visits to LSU, Auburn, Penn State, and Oregon, and excitement is building as his August 5 commitment date approaches. While LSU and Auburn appear to be exploring other options, Penn State and Oregon have emerged as the clear frontrunners.
However, where he ultimately lands remains a mystery since he has taken NIL considerations off the table. His recent comment, “I saved the best for last,” after his trip to Eugene has everyone wondering if he’s tipping his hand toward the Oregon Ducks.
Immanuel Iheanacho Hints at Final Decision After Eye-Opening Oregon Visit
The 6-foot-6, 350-pound standout from Georgetown Prep in North Bethesda, Maryland, has been one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.
The nation’s No. 2 offensive tackle and No. 5 overall prospect in the 2026 class has already visited LSU, Auburn, and Penn State, but his trip to Oregon, which concluded on June 22, stood out the most. If the Penn State visit had happened after the Ducks’ one, the Nittany Lions could have leveraged the proximity advantage more effectively.
“They told me that I don’t have to fly seven hours away to Oregon to do what I want to do, but I can do it all at Penn State, where my parents can see each game,” Iheanacho told On3. “They really showed me their plan for me, how I can play early there, and all of that was big for me.”
Penn State insider Zach Seyko believes the proximity pitch is central to head coach James Franklin’s recruiting strategy and could prove decisive. But momentum shifted dramatically when the rising star declared he “saved the best for last” following his Oregon visit. This statement clearly indicates his last visit was to the Ducks’ campus, sending ripples through the recruiting world.
Oregon received the final official visit from 5-star OT Immanuel Iheanacho.
“I saved the best for last,” Iheanacho said.
Auburn, LSU and Penn State are also on his list.
The latest: https://t.co/STQdZA61DE (On3+) pic.twitter.com/dKfi3cEAT9
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) June 22, 2025
His trip to Eugene transcended typical recruiting visits. Iheanacho reportedly spent quality time with the Oregon program, including engaging with head coach Dan Lanning in a push-up competition that showcased their developing relationship. He also connected with current Ducks commit Tradarian Ball, the nation’s No. 3 running back in the 2026 class, who has been actively recruiting him to join Oregon’s impressive recruiting haul.
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Penn State maintains one significant advantage in this recruiting battle. The Nittany Lions have cultivated a long-standing relationship with Iheanacho, dating back years. As Seyko explained on the Locked On Nittany Lions podcast, “Penn State has been recruiting Iheanacho for the longest time… probably almost either the longest-standing relationship or one of them. So that’s where Penn State wins.”
The recruiting landscape continues to favor Oregon, however. According to multiple recruiting insiders, including On3’s Steve Wiltfong, the Ducks remain the clear leader in Iheanacho’s recruitment. Oregon ranks first on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine with an 86.1% chance of landing him, while 247Sports has logged Crystal Ball predictions in their favor.
The challenge for Penn State intensifies as Oregon’s comprehensive approach gains traction. The Ducks even extended a scholarship offer to Iheanacho’s younger brother, Michael, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound lineman in the 2028 class. This strategic move demonstrates Oregon’s commitment to the entire Iheanacho family, following a successful pattern the program has established with other sibling combinations over the years.
As Seyko noted, proximity remains Penn State’s strongest selling point: “Let’s take NIL out of the equation here; [Penn State] honestly would have a better pitch. Proximity is a big deal. You got to fly all the way across the country. You’re not going to be close to your friends and family anymore.”
Yet Iheanacho appears unfazed by the distance, telling On3 he appreciates how Oregon head coach Dan Lanning met him at the airport, demonstrating that “not a lot of head coaches are that flexible and really show that I’m a priority like that.”
With Iheanacho’s commitment date set for August 5, speculation mounts that an announcement could come even sooner. The elite offensive line prospect has transformed from a Maryland lean earlier in the recruiting cycle to having Oregon and Penn State as his clear top two choices, with the Ducks holding the momentum as summer approaches.
