The battle for Immanuel Iheanacho rages on. The 6’7, 350-pounder from Georgetown Prep in Baltimore is a blue-chip prospect, a generational talent on the O-line. With over 20 offers across the country, the 5-star OT has no shortage of suitors. But just when it seemed like a Big Ten powerhouse had the upper hand, an SEC giant is making a move to shake everything up.
For months, Dan Lanning and Oregon led the way for Immanuel Iheanacho’s recruitment. The coveted player admitted it himself, stating at the Under Armour All-American Game — “Oregon is my new No. 1, but Georgia is right there at No. 2. not too far off.” His admiration for the Ducks was evident. The campus, the facilities, the coaching staff, and yeah, even the gear. But in college football, a lead is never safe, especially when Kirby Smart’s program is involved.
“Georgia is slightly behind Oregon for Iheanacho,” that’s what Steve Wiltfong previously reported. But it seems the tide is shifting. In a new On3 Recruits on March 21, the recruiting expert provided fresh intel on the No. 2 OT who’s also the No. 2 overall player in the 2026 class. “Georgia’s always been one of his favorites. They’ve spent time at the top, it’s Maryland at the top right now,” Wiltfong said. But wait, there’s more — “Oregon has been one of the other front runners… But Georgia is certainly recruiting Immanuel Iheanacho at a high level.” And it’s not hard to see why he’s flirting with the Bulldogs.
Kirby Smart has built a dynasty in Athens. And he knows how to land premier talent in the trenches. The Dawgs have been a machine when it comes to developing offensive linemen into first-round draft picks. This served as a major selling point for Immanuel Iheanacho. Georgia’s identity – tough, physical, no-nonsense football – is exactly the kind of style that suits the intimidating weapon.
“I love how they’re very raw,” Iheanacho said of Georgia. “They’re gritty. They’re everything that you see with nice, old-fashioned, smash-mouth football. They have Coach (Kirby) Smart. They win. I like the campus down there and overall I appreciate the brand of football.” Quite an endorsement, huh? After all, the Bulldogs were the leader in much of this recruitment race. But now, with official visits looming, they’re coming hard for their shot at flipping the script. It was no secret that Immanuel Iheanacho planned to visit Athens on May 30. Until he didn’t.
Maryland’s hometown pull is getting stronger
As Steve Wiltfong mentioned, Maryland currently leads the race for their in-state star Immanuel Iheanacho. For years, the Terrapins have been an afterthought in the Big Ten recruiting wars. Under Mike Locksley, they’ve made strides but last season’s 4-8 record was a step backwards. Still, there’s something brewing in College Park.
Zion Elee, the No. 1 DT in the country and a fellow Maryland native, stunned the world in February when he committed to the Terps. That decision planted a seed in Iheanacho’s mind. “I’d say the idea of being a hometown hero has popped into everybody’s head,” he admitted. “It popped into mine after Zion committed.” Then came the visit switch. Originally set to visit Maryland on June 20, he bumped it up to May 30 — the same date he had scheduled for Georgia. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a clear indication of who stands where.
Well, Georgia has the development pipeline. Oregon has the facilities and relationships. And Maryland has the pull of home. A tough decision for Immanuel Iheanacho whose answer could change the fortune of the program he chooses.
The post 5-Star Immanuel Iheanacho’s Recruitment Takes Unexpected Turn as SEC Powerhouse Threatens B1G Giants’ Bold Ambitions appeared first on EssentiallySports.
