Dan Lanning’s Oregon Left Behind in B1G Title Race Amid 5-Star Immanuel Iheanacho’s Recruitment

 

Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks have been a powerhouse in the Pac-12 and are set to join the Big Ten in 2024. However, their pursuit of a conference title has hit a roadblock as the recruitment of 5-star defensive end Immanuel Iheanacho takes center stage. Iheanacho, a dominant edge rusher from Texas, has emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class, with powerhouse programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State making a strong push for his commitment.

 

Oregon, known for its aggressive recruiting under Lanning, initially appeared to be in a strong position for Iheanacho. The Ducks’ defensive scheme, coupled with Lanning’s reputation as a defensive mastermind, made them a natural fit. However, the allure of Big Ten programs, combined with Oregon’s uncertain footing in its first year in the new conference, has given competitors an edge in the race for the elite pass rusher.

 

Iheanacho’s recruitment underscores a larger challenge for Oregon: competing with the established blue-bloods of the Big Ten. While the Ducks have consistently landed top talent from the West Coast, breaking into the Midwest and Southern recruiting pipelines remains a challenge. Programs like Michigan and Ohio State have decades of history and national championships to sell, along with deep NIL resources and high-profile matchups that make them more attractive to recruits like Iheanacho.

 

For Lanning, missing out on a player of this caliber could be a significant setback. The Ducks need elite defensive talent to compete with the physicality of the Big Ten, where dominant defensive lines often dictate success. Without a player like Iheanacho to anchor their pass rush, Oregon may struggle to match up against the likes of Michigan’s power-run game or Ohio State’s high-octane passing attack.

 

The battle for Iheanacho isn’t over, but Oregon’s standing in the Big Ten arms race is being tested. If the Ducks can’t close on top-tier defensive talent, their path to a conference title may become significantly more difficult. Lanning has proven he can recruit at a high level, but Oregon’s ability to compete in the Big Ten may ultimately hinge on whether they can land game-changing players like Iheanacho.