Immanuel Iheanacho commits to Oregon Ducks | Sporting News

So much for a slump.

Despite landing commitments from Bishop Gorman (Nevada) five-star safety Jett Washington and Vista Murrieta (California) fast-rising four-star quarterback Bryson Beaver in the month of June, some pushed the narrative Oregon was in a recruiting drought.

On "The Pat McAfee Show," Thursday on ESPN, the Ducks swatted away any of those lingering concerns.

Georgetown Prep (Maryland) five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho announced his commitment to the Ducks on national television, choosing Oregon over fellow finalists Auburn, LSU and Penn State.

The 6-foot-6, 345-pound versatile lineman, who could play tackle or guard at the college level, is rated the nation's No.

4 overall prospect and No.

2 offensive tackle in the 2026 class.

Iheanacho is the highest-rated offensive line commit in program history, and launches Oregon's class from No.

17 nationally to No.

11, leapfrogging Florida, Texas, LSU, Penn State and others.

And despite the marquee name, his recruitment has largely been straightforward.

The East Coast prospect named Oregon his clear leader in the spring and openly admitted he was "saving the best for last" on his official visit schedule.

The Ducks got the final visit on June 20.

In an era of fake-outs, thrown hats and, well, "NIL surprises," Iheanacho has been clear about his love of the Ducks for months.

His commitment also marks a sudden surge in the 2026 class at the offensive line position, previously one that needed a boost.

Less than a week ago, the Ducks didn't yet have a single offensive line commit in the class, but are quickly up to three.

Oregon flipped a pair of California Golden Bears commits - Farrington (Hawaii) three-star interior lineman Koloi Keli and Archbishop Riordan (California) elite four-star lineman Tommy Tofi.

Iheanacho makes three - and he also helps establish a clear trend up front.

Just as Oregon has clearly developed an affinity for long, athletic defensive backs, the Ducks want beef up front.

Iheanacho (6-6, 345), Tofi (6-6, 330; nation's No.

6 interior offensive lineman ) and Keli (6-3, 290) are all big bodies, a perfect solution to the rough-and-tumble style of the Big Ten.

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Iheanacho as a prospect: "Bullish, physical run game presence with immense size and frame dimensions who could potentially provide valuable roster flexibility.

Promisingly consistent in hand placement and lower-body drive when engaged.

Again, enormous physical traits with plenty of length to live outside, but particularly separate from the field at guard, where he could provide tone-setting brute force." "Basketball participation, which reveals a nimble post presence with crafty touch around the rim, reflects in functional athleticism and foot quickness.

Sometimes rigid in movement patterns, and mammoth size dictates need for maintaining body control and balance.

Still, traits and power can overwhelm even in less-than-ideal technical situations." "Elite offensive line prospect who can likely play tackle in college and perhaps beyond, but could also become a rare guard candidate.".

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