LSU Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class, already a top-10 powerhouse, is making waves as four-star defensive lineman Deuce Geralds takes on a recruiting role to flip Oregon Ducks’ five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho. Geralds, a Suwanee, Georgia, native who committed to LSU in August 2025 over Oregon, Michigan, Ole Miss, and Ohio State, has emerged as a vocal leader for the Tigers’ recruiting efforts. The 6-foot-1, 270-pound standout, ranked as the No. 8 defensive lineman in the 2026 cycle by Rivals, recently posted on Instagram, showcasing his connection with Iheanacho and urging him to join LSU, a move that could reshape the Tigers’ offensive line and send a statement across college football.
Iheanacho, a 6-foot-7, 350-pound offensive tackle from Georgetown Prep in Baltimore, Maryland, committed to Oregon in July 2025, choosing the Ducks over LSU, Penn State, and Auburn. His ranking as the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class per Rivals makes him a prized target, with his junior tape showing zero sacks allowed and dominant run-blocking ability. LSU’s momentum, fueled by head coach Brian Kelly and offensive line coach Brad Davis, has kept the Tigers in the hunt, with Iheanacho planning a return visit to Baton Rouge this fall, according to Rivals. Geralds’ personal pitch, amplified by his lifelong connection to LSU as his “dream school,” adds a compelling layer to the Tigers’ pursuit, leveraging their SEC pedigree and NFL development pipeline.
LSU’s 2026 class already boasts headliners like No. 1 wide receiver Tristen Keys, No. 1 athlete Lamar Brown, and top-5 edge rusher Trenton Henderson, but landing Iheanacho would solidify their offensive line as a national force. Geralds, with 37.5 sacks and 77.5 tackles for loss in his high school career per MaxPreps, embodies the Tigers’ relentless recruiting ethos, mirroring Kelly’s aggressive approach. Iheanacho’s earlier comments to On3 Sports, stating “LSU is right there with Oregon” after his June visit, suggest the Tigers remain a serious contender, despite Oregon’s strong position under Dan Lanning. The five-star’s size and basketball-honed agility make him a cornerstone prospect for LSU’s future trench battles against SEC giants.
With Iheanacho’s decision still fluid, Geralds’ recruiting efforts could tip the scales as LSU aims to disrupt Oregon’s top-ranked 2026 class. The Ducks, fresh off securing five-star talents like Dakorien Moore and Anthony Jones, are fighting to retain Iheanacho, who has visits planned to Auburn and Penn State before his August 5 commitment reaffirmation date. LSU’s recent addition of Louisiana native Sam Petitto to their recruiting staff bolsters their case, particularly for in-state and regional prospects, but Iheanacho’s national profile makes this a high-stakes battle. As the Tigers prepare for their 2025 season opener against Clemson, Geralds’ off-field hustle could prove as impactful as his on-field dominance, potentially landing LSU a transformative talent.[](https://www.si.com/college/lsu/recruiting/elite-lsu-football-commit-attempting-to-flip-a-five-star-oregon-ducks-pledge-01k2aq32zd2q)
