5-Star Immanuel Iheanacho Delivers Upsetting News for Kirby Smart as 340LB Beast Hints at B1G Destination

This isn’t what Kirby Smart would’ve loved to hear. With recruiting season in full swing, spring visits ramp up. And one of the biggest names in the 2026 class is making waves with a major shift in his recruitment. Georgetown Prep’s Immanuel Iheanacho, a 5-star, 6’6.5, 340-pound OT, was once seen as a near lock for the SEC. But in a shocking twist, Georgia and the entire conference have been left outside of his top 2. 

For Smart and the Bulldogs, this one stings. Just last month, Georgia had been one of the front runners for the No. 2 OT in the nation. Now? It’s a two-way race between two Big Ten schools. Immanuel Iheanacho has a couple of schools trending on his top list per On3 Recruits’ new X report on March 3. Per his conversation with Steve Wiltfong, “He plans to visit Oregon and Maryland this month✈️. ‘Maryland is my No. 1. Oregon is my No. 2.” That’s right. Not Georgia, not Alabama, not even Penn State, who has an OV locked in on June 13.

The first stop will be on Saturday, where he’ll be at College Park at his No. 1 school. A hometown hero, he’ll be on campus to watch the Terrapins basketball game. Reports suggest that his OV is also scheduled for the summer. His photo in a Maryland football jersey was enough to set the internet ablaze that this is going to be his ultimate landing spot. But it’s the familiarity of an in-state program that might be a driving factor in his inclination. 

Immanuel Iheanacho has a close relationship with the Terrapins coaches, from HC Mike Locksley to OL coach Damian Wroblewski. Maryland already has the commitment of 5-star edge rusher Zion Elee. If they land the formidable prospect in Iheanacho, it would mark a recruiting power move for Locksley. Despite coming off a 4-8 season and losing key players in the portal, Maryland is heating up on the trail. But Oregon is still very much in the mix. 

Oregon leaves Georgia behind on Immanuel Iheanacho’s pursuit

While Maryland leads the charge, Dan Lanning’s team remains a serious contender. “Oregon still excites me and still intrigues me. They’re the school I have the best relationship with,” Immanuel Iheanacho admitted. “I just love the whole dynamic, the whole campus at Oregon, the practice fields, how the weight room is set up…The gear is amazing; that’s not the most important part, but the gear is amazing.” Both the HC and OL coach, A’lique Terry and others have built a strong relationship with him. He’s set to visit the Ducks on March 14. 

For now, Kirby Smart and the Dawgs are on the outside looking in. Sources indicate that while they’re still in the mix, the gap between them and the Ducks is widening. Here’s what Steve Wiltfong said of the competition—“Georgia is slightly behind Oregon for Iheanacho.” Immanuel Iheanacho is also fielding offers from Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida, Miami, and Tennessee aside from the ones mentioned. But at this point, it’s clear who’s leading the race. 

For Maryland, this could be a program-defining win. For Georgia, it’s a brutal loss on the recruiting trail. While this isn’t over yet, Immanuel Iheanacho is on the verge of making B1G history.