New SEC contender challenges Oregon Ducks for top recruit Dan Lanning can't afford to miss on

If anyone ever says that school visits don't matter for high school prospects trying to make the biggest decision of their career, then they're not paying attention to how far programs will go to sell themselves. Right now is the most critical part of the 2026 recruiting calendar, and the Oregon Ducks have more on the line in June than most top-end contenders after dealing with several targets taking their talents elsewhere. 

Oregon is eyeing a huge prize in five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho, the No. 4 overall player in the 2026 class. Iheanacho, who named Oregon his leader after a May 12 visit, is set to make an official visit on June 20, giving the Ducks the final word before his decision.

But things change quickly on the recruiting trail.

On3's Chad Simmons shared some concerning news that LSU is quickly becoming a force in Iheanacho's recruiting process.

Oregon has had all of the buzz in recent weeks after Immanuel Iheanacho took an unofficial visit to Eugene. The Ducks are still a favorite, but after the official visit to LSU, Oregon is not the only favorite. LSU made a big move for the five-star offensive tackle out of Baltimore (Md.) Georgetown Preparatory School over the weekend. Brad Davis was the leader and for the full story, click here.

“Iheanacho told 247Sports that the Ducks are currently leading his recruitment,” underscoring Oregon’s strong position at the time. Landing Iheanacho could be a game-changer, addressing the critical need for offensive line depth and signaling Oregon’s resurgence on the recruiting trail.

Securing Iheanacho would have a ripple effect. His commitment could elevate Oregon’s 2026 class into the top 10, boosting their national profile as they prepare for a 2025 season with playoff aspirations. 

A dominant tackle like Iheanacho, paired with returning stars like quarterback Dante Moore, could solidify Oregon’s offensive front, crucial for competing against powerhouses like Ohio State in the Big Ten. 

But if they fumble this recruitment? It'd be another egg on Lanning's face after he's seen countless top recruits opt to go elsewhere this offseason. Oregon has seen a rash of big-time prospects decommit or suddenly push their attention elsewhere only months after it seemed as though NIL powerhouse Phil Knight had the Ducks ready to run the world.

We'll see whether Lanning can win both the relationship and NIL game with Iheanacho.