Will Georgia Bulldogs or Oregon Ducks Sign Immanuel Iheanacho, the Nation’s No. 2 Recruit? Visit of Dan Lanning

The recruitment of Immanuel Iheanacho, the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit for the 2025 class, has been one of the most talked-about storylines in college football recruiting circles. The talented linebacker from Texas has become a coveted prospect, with elite programs like the Georgia Bulldogs and the Oregon Ducks in pursuit of his commitment. With his skills, size, and athleticism, Iheanacho is poised to make an immediate impact at the college level, and both Georgia and Oregon are vying for his services.

What makes this recruitment even more intriguing is the involvement of Dan Lanning, the head coach at Oregon and a former Georgia defensive coordinator. Lanning’s history with the Bulldogs, combined with the allure of both programs, has created a fascinating narrative that will keep fans and analysts guessing until the final decision is made.

In this article, we will examine the factors that will play into Iheanacho’s recruitment, including his relationship with both Georgia and Oregon, the impact of Dan Lanning, and what each program offers. We’ll break down what makes each program appealing to Iheanacho and assess his fit with both teams as we anticipate which school he will ultimately sign with.

Immanuel Iheanacho: A Recruiting Profile

Before diving into the specifics of Georgia and Oregon, it’s important to understand why Immanuel Iheanacho is such a highly sought-after recruit. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds, Iheanacho is a physically imposing linebacker who combines size with incredible speed and agility. His ability to read plays, pursue ball carriers, and disrupt the opposing offense has made him a dominant force on the field.

Iheanacho has consistently been ranked as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, and his exceptional versatility allows him to excel in multiple defensive schemes. Whether it’s rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, or being a sideline-to-sideline force against the run, Iheanacho has the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level. As one of the most complete linebackers in recent memory, he brings the type of skill set that can elevate any defense.

His recruitment has largely been between two of the top programs in college football, both with compelling cases to land the future star.

Georgia Bulldogs: The Appeal of a National Power

The Georgia Bulldogs, under the leadership of Kirby Smart, have become one of the most dominant programs in college football. With a relentless defense, elite recruiting, and a history of producing NFL talent, Georgia has earned its spot as a perennial contender for national championships. Their defensive prowess, combined with an overall balanced roster, makes Georgia an attractive destination for high-profile recruits like Immanuel Iheanacho.

Defensive Legacy and Linebacker Tradition

One of the biggest draws for Iheanacho to Georgia is the program’s rich tradition of developing linebackers. Under Smart, Georgia has become known for producing elite linebackers who excel in both the SEC and the NFL. Players like Roquan Smith, Nakobe Dean, and Channing Tindall have all emerged from Georgia as first-round picks and key contributors at the next level.

Georgia’s defensive system is one of the most sophisticated in the nation, with an emphasis on creating pressure and utilizing linebackers in a variety of ways. Whether in coverage, rushing the passer, or stopping the run, Georgia linebackers are expected to be versatile, and Iheanacho’s skill set is a perfect fit for this style of play.

Additionally, Georgia’s consistent dominance on defense in recent years — including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 — shows that the Bulldogs are a program on the rise, not just in recruiting, but in producing on-the-field results. This success has only enhanced the program’s recruiting appeal, and landing a talent like Iheanacho would solidify their defense for years to come.

The Role of Kirby Smart and Georgia’s Coaching Staff

Kirby Smart, a former defensive coordinator for Alabama, has built Georgia into a recruiting juggernaut and a powerhouse in the SEC. His ability to develop top-tier defensive talent is well-documented, and it’s no surprise that he would be a major selling point for a highly-ranked recruit like Iheanacho.

Under Smart, Georgia has become a pipeline for defensive players who not only excel in college but are also developed into NFL-ready athletes. His coaching staff, which includes former NFL coaches and high-level assistants, has a track record of elevating players to the highest level, and this reputation is a huge draw for top-tier defensive recruits like Iheanacho.

Smart’s ability to develop linebackers and his defensive philosophy would provide Iheanacho with a stable and promising future. Additionally, Georgia’s recruiting facilities, support staff, and academic resources would provide Iheanacho with everything he needs to succeed both on and off the field.

Oregon Ducks: The Draw of Dan Lanning and a Fresh Program

On the other hand, the Oregon Ducks, under head coach Dan Lanning, have made major strides as a program over the past few years. Lanning, a former Georgia defensive coordinator, brings a wealth of knowledge to the Ducks and has already demonstrated his ability to build a competitive team in the Pac-12. The relationship between Lanning and Georgia, along with his unique vision for Oregon’s defense, makes the Ducks an enticing option for a recruit like Iheanacho.

Dan Lanning’s Connection to Georgia

Dan Lanning’s connection to Georgia adds an interesting layer to the recruitment of Immanuel Iheanacho. Lanning was instrumental in the development of Georgia’s defense during his time in Athens, where he worked as the defensive coordinator. Lanning helped mold the Bulldogs into one of the most dominant defensive units in the country, a trend that has continued since his departure.

Iheanacho is likely familiar with Lanning’s coaching philosophy, and the relationship that Lanning has with both the recruits and the current players on Georgia’s roster is a strong selling point for Oregon. Lanning’s understanding of the SEC and his successful track record at Georgia show that he has the ability to attract top-tier defensive talent and develop them into future stars.

Having coached some of the best defensive players in the country, Lanning’s coaching style focuses on high-energy, aggressive play, with an emphasis on versatility and speed. Oregon’s defense has steadily improved under Lanning’s tutelage, and Iheanacho could be the missing piece to take it to the next level.

Oregon’s National Stage and Facilities

While Georgia is a traditional powerhouse, Oregon has positioned itself as one of the premier programs on the West Coast. Oregon’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff conversation, make the Ducks an attractive option. While the program may not have the same defensive history as Georgia, Lanning has already shown that he can recruit and develop at the highest level.

Additionally, Oregon’s offensive prowess and innovative schemes would provide a unique balance to Iheanacho’s development. While he would play for a defense-first program, Oregon’s offense — led by creative minds like Kenny Dillingham — would give him the opportunity to play in high-pressure, fast-paced games, sharpening his mental and physical skills against some of the best offenses in college football.

What Would Immanuel Iheanacho Bring to Either Program?

No matter where he ends up, Immanuel Iheanacho brings a number of elite traits to the table. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline, attack the line of scrimmage, and defend in pass coverage would make him a game-changing player for either program. He’s a versatile linebacker who can impact the game in multiple ways — from rushing the passer to dropping into coverage, to stopping the run with power and finesse.

Both Georgia and Oregon would benefit from his physicality, speed, and football IQ. While Georgia would likely use him as a key piece of its defensive line and blitz packages, Oregon’s defensive scheme could allow him to flourish in an equally dynamic system. His leadership, physicality, and high football IQ would make him an asset for either program.

The Decision: Georgia vs. Oregon

Ultimately, the decision of where Immanuel Iheanacho will sign comes down to a number of factors, including the opportunity to develop at the next level, the program’s ability to help him grow as a player, and the overall fit with the coaching staff. Both Georgia and Oregon offer unique advantages that would make either choice appealing.

Georgia, with its dominant defense, recent championships, and Kirby Smart’s proven ability to develop NFL talent, presents a compelling case for Iheanacho. However, Oregon, under the guidance of Dan Lanning, offers the opportunity for a fresh start with a defensive-minded coach who understands the demands of the SEC and has shown the ability to recruit elite talent to the West Coast.

As the recruitment process unfolds, it will be fascinating to see where Iheanacho ultimately decides to play his college ball. Whether he joins the Bulldogs or the Ducks, one thing is certain: he will be a key player wherever he goes and will have a bright future ahead of him in college football.