Four-Star LB Mark Iheanachor Commits to the SMU Mustangs

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The SMU Mustangs made a big splash in the 2025 recruiting cycle with the commitment of four-star Californian linebacker Mark Iheanachor. The standout athlete from the Los Angeles area is a two-way player at the prep level but has been recruited primarily based on his prowess as a bruising inside linebacker.

Iheanachor chose SMU after receiving offers from Georgia, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Washington and other top-level programs. Linebackers coach Maurice Crum Jr. spearheaded the recruitment of Iheanachor for the Mustangs. Iheanachor told On3 that he is impressed by the NIL program at SMU.

About Mark Iheanachor

Iheanachor is 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. During his junior season in high school, he made 93 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. He has also been a prolific running back, rushing for approximately 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in his past two seasons.

According to 247Sports, he is the No. 32 overall linebacker in the country and the No. 31 player from California. He has demonstrated excellent tackling ability and regularly knocks back opponents at the high school level. Scouts have marveled at his combination of speed and strength. He does not have to wrestle opponents to the ground. Rather, he thumps them, immediately ending plays at contact. He runs well and is adept at pass coverage. Per scouts and his high school coaches, he is a cerebral player who comprehends and executes complex playbooks. He projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level.

His older brother Max Iheanachor is an offensive tackle at Arizona State.

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Mustang Impact

Iheanachor is expected to compete for substantial playing time on the Mustangs' defense as a true freshman. He has already had extensive discussions with members of coach Rhett Lashlee's staff about the role he is expected to play—as a freshman and an upperclassmen.

Iheanachor is the 13th player to commit to SMU's 2025 class. He is the second four-star in the class, joining wide receiver Daylon Singleton. Iheanachor's commitment bumps SMU's recruiting class rating up from No. 43 to No. 37 on the national level and from No. 9 to No. 7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.