As five-star offensive lineman Immanuel Iheanacho nears his commitment decision, he spoke highly of the Oregon Ducks after his final official visit to Eugene. In a recent interview, Iheanacho shared his positive impressions of coach Dan Lanning and his staff.

“All those coaches are great guys. I feel like they are great men,” Iheanacho said. “I feel like that is very important. I am able to talk to those guys about other things,” Iheanacho told 247Sports.

The 6-6, 345-pound interior lineman is also weighing options from LSU, Auburn, and Penn State, with a commitment date set for Aug. 5, though he may announce earlier. 

Lanning’s recruitment efforts, including a viral pushup contest with Iheanacho that the recruit won and shared on social media, highlight the coach’s unique approach to building relationships beyond football.

“I was talking to coach Lanning about a month ago about prom,” Iheanacho told Dohn. “I can’t talk to every coach about prom. That’s not something every coach can do.”

Iheanacho has also connected with offensive line coach A’lique Terry, who has helped develop NFL talents like Ajani Cornelius, Penei Sewell, Josh Conerly Jr., T.J. Bass, and Jackson Powers-Johnson. 

“I talk to coach Terry about everything,” Iheanacho said to 247Sports. “Talk to him about sports, girl problems. The comfortability for me talking to coach about life things and not feeling judged about it or being comfortable enough to bring it up in the first part, it’s stuff like that.”

Oregon’s last five-star offensive lineman, Conerly Jr., was drafted 29th overall by the Washington Commanders in 2025 after three seasons with the Ducks.

While Penn State is closer to Iheanacho’s Maryland hometown, Oregon gains an edge by offering a scholarship to his younger brother, Michael Iheanacho, a 2028 class prospect. Immanuel described the emotional impact of his brother’s offer, noting it moved him to tears, unlike his own offer.

“I feel if I do this right, in four years I will be in the green room at the NFL Draft with Roger Goodell,” Iheanacho told 247Sports. “I feel like Oregon puts me in the best spot to do that. Them and LSU.”

While Iheanacho admitted Oregon and LSU are still his top schools, there are factors Lanning can't make up for right now. Barring a sudden barrage of scholarships to Iheanacho's friends to comfort him, Oregon won't win if their pitch is comfort.

They must sell him on an NFL future, immediate playing time and development, and NIL funds. The extreme difference in culture and time zone from Maryland to Oregon will almost surely factor into Iheanacho's mind, even if he decides to put faith in the gigantic leap.

Here's a scouting report on Iheanacho from On3's Charles Power.

Mountain of an offensive tackle prospect with light-footed movement skills. Has truly rare dimensions for a young offensive tackle. Checked in at nearly 6-foot-7, 350 pounds with startlingly 36-inch long arms and big hands. Shows good flexibility and functional movement skills at his immense size. Owns one of the more powerful punches we’ve seen among offensive tackle prospects in the past few cycles. Absolutely stones defensive linemen at the point of attack. Length, hand strength, and girth create a nearly unmovable anchor. Played on the defensive line early in his high school career, showing off some nice athleticism. Also has a basketball background. Turned in a strong showing at the Under Armour All-America Game before his senior season. Will need to continue improving his overall consistency in the high school football setting, but has considerable upside given his physical gifts.