James Franklin’s Personal Pitch to Five-Star Recruit Immanuel Iheanacho: “Let’s Make History Together”
It’s another massive recruiting weekend in Happy Valley, as Penn State football hosts several high-profile prospects on official visits. Among them is the most anticipated name of the group—Immanuel Iheanacho, a towering offensive lineman from Georgetown Prep in Maryland, who has been making waves in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Iheanacho, who checks in at an imposing 6-foot-7 and 380 pounds, arrived in State College on Thursday evening, beginning what is his fourth visit to Penn State. As one of the most heavily recruited linemen in the country, this visit carries special significance—not just for the Nittany Lions, but for their pursuit of a top-tier 2026 class.
Shortly after arriving, Iheanacho shared a glimpse of the warm welcome he received from the Penn State coaching staff. In a social media post, part of a message from head coach James Franklin was visible, revealing the kind of personalized recruiting strategy Franklin is known for. While the full text of the message wasn’t shown, enough of it was visible to catch Franklin’s core message: “We’re building something special at Penn State, and I want you to be part of it. Let’s make history together.”
It’s a direct and emotionally charged appeal—Franklin emphasizing not only the strength of the incoming recruiting class but also the role that Iheanacho could play in elevating it to historic levels. The message reinforces Penn State’s ambition to create a standout 2026 class—one that could potentially be the best in the James Franklin era.
Right now, Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class is already in a strong position. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, the class currently sits at No. 6 nationally. Adding a player of Iheanacho’s caliber would not only elevate the class’s overall standing but could also send a strong message to other top prospects about what’s building in State College.
Last week, Iheanacho revealed his four finalist schools: Penn State, Auburn, LSU, and Oregon. The Baltimore-area standout has already visited Auburn and LSU—two SEC powerhouses known for producing elite offensive linemen. After this trip to Penn State, his final official visit will be to Oregon.
Oregon is widely considered to be the current leader in Iheanacho’s recruitment, though Penn State is very much in the running as the five-star’s decision day—set for August 5—draws near. That date looms large over this weekend’s visit, making it a pivotal opportunity for Franklin and his staff to leave a lasting impression.
It’s not just about hospitality or facilities at this point in the process. Iheanacho has seen the locker rooms, the weight rooms, and the stadiums. Now, it’s about relationships, trust, and the belief that a school can help him achieve both his college and NFL goals. That’s where Franklin’s personal touch becomes critical. His message—centered on legacy and the chance to “make history”—is designed to appeal to a player looking to be more than just another name on a roster.
Penn State fans and analysts alike understand the importance of this recruitment. Iheanacho is not only the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2026 class—he’s also ranked No. 3 overall in the country, per the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s a program-changing player, the kind who can anchor a college offensive line from the moment he steps on campus and eventually develop into a first-round NFL Draft pick.
What separates Penn State’s pitch from the rest? In addition to Franklin’s proven development record with linemen, the Nittany Lions offer a blend of elite athletic and academic resources, strong team culture, and a clear pathway to early playing time. Moreover, the energy surrounding the Penn State program—particularly as they aim for a College Football Playoff berth—has been palpable in recent years. The 2026 class is being shaped with that championship window in mind.
Franklin has long believed in building strong relationships throughout the recruiting process, and that’s evident in how Penn State has pursued Iheanacho. This weekend is about reinforcing that relationship—not just with Franklin, but with the position coaches, strength staff, and the players currently on the roster. It’s about helping Iheanacho see himself in a Penn State uniform, playing under the lights at Beaver Stadium, and being a foundational piece of a championship-caliber team.
For Iheanacho, who’s nearing the end of his summer recruiting tour, these final impressions are critical. Oregon has momentum, but Penn State is hoping that the family atmosphere, coaching stability, and long-term development pitch will resonate deeply.
While Penn State faces stiff competition from the Ducks and two top-tier SEC programs, Franklin and his staff aren’t shying away from the challenge. Instead, they’re leaning into it—offering a vision where Iheanacho isn’t just part of a class, but a cornerstone of it. A player whose legacy could be felt not just on the field, but in helping Penn State return to national title contention.
It’s that kind of pitch—ambitious, heartfelt, and legacy-driven—that Franklin hopes will set Penn State apart. And if this weekend’s visit goes as planned, there’s a chance that when August 5 rolls around, the Nittany Lions could be celebrating a game-changing commitment.
For now, all eyes are on State College as Penn State football continues its pursuit of one of the top recruits in the country, hoping that James Franklin’s message of “let’s make history together” strikes the right chord.
