Oregon Ducks football’s rise under head coach Dan Lanning hit a high note this past week when five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho formally pledged to the Ducks. Just steps away from announcing his decision, Iheanacho dramatically unzipped his jacket to unveil a green Ducks T‑shirt, igniting excitement across the college football cycle.
Lanning’s enthusiastic reaction, captured in a viral celebration, showcased his infectious energy and commitment to elite recruitment. His demonstration came moments after a high-stakes recruiting showdown with the LSU Tigers and Penn State Nittany Lions. The Ducks delivered a defining moment with flair. This commitment could be a game-changer for Lanning’s program, potentially reforming the Ducks’ trajectory.
Dan Lanning Unleashes Enthusiastic T-Shirt Celebration After Securing 5-Star Offensive Tackle
Lanning celebrated like a man who had hit the jackpot when Iheanacho confirmed his commitment live on national radio on the Pat McAfee Show. Iheanacho, a 6-foot-7, 5-star offensive tackle from the 2026 class, chose Oregon over major programs, including Penn State, LSU, and Auburn, pulling the Ducks into the national recruiting spotlight.
Oregon HC Dan Lanning & OL Coach A’lique Terry CELEBRATE landing 5⭐️ IOL Immanuel Iheanacho 🦆
(Via @105CoachTerry) pic.twitter.com/M3IHfTqaCF
— DuckZone503 (@DuckZone503) July 3, 2025
During the show, Iheanacho dramatically revealed his Ducks T‑shirt under his sweater, which became an iconic recruiting moment in football. Lanning responded with a celebratory gesture, jumping into a pool in jubilation, a scene later shared widely across social media by popular outlets.
“I feel like Oregon really just felt right… opportunity for me to play early was huge,” Iheanacho said, praising Lanning’s personal approach and track record, including the rapid development of Josh Conerly into a first-round pick.
Top recruiter and offensive line coach A’lique Terry played a key role in closing the deal. Iheanacho noted that Lanning personally met him upon arrival at Eugene airport, a gesture signaling his priority status within the program.
The addition of Iheanacho has pushed the Ducks’ 2026 class from No. 11 to No. 7 in On3’s national rankings, and it marks the seventh major commitment in a month already, doubling their previous total. He joins five-star safety Jett Washington, the nephew of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, signaling a change in Ducks recruiting strategy toward blue-chip talent.
Ducks’ offensive line depth continues to deepen. Iheanacho arrives to join a growing cadre of top prospects, including recent flips such as Tommy Tofi and Koloi Keli, both four-star recruits who chose the Ducks over California programs.
With the T‑shirt celebration going viral and multiple 5-star pledges in hand, Lanning has reinforced his vision for an elite, championship-ready roster. Yet questions remain on whether the Ducks can sustain this surge amid the shifting landscape of conference realignment and recruiting battles.