Max Iheanachor is an incredibly raw prospect with an incredible story. His upside is limitless thanks to an intriguing blend of size, quickness, and athleticism. With the right coaching, he has the potential to be one of the most reliable right tackles at the next level. This article will highlight Max Iheanachor and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.
2026 NFL Draft Big Board (Version One)
2026 NFL Draft Profile of Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor
Measurables
Height: 6’ 5”
Weight: 325 lbs
Arm Length: 34 1/2”
Hand Size: 9 3/8”
Player Background
Max Iheanachor was born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States of America when he was 13. If not for his dominance as a basketball player, he likely would’ve never found his way to football. His high school coach pushed him to play on the gridiron after seeing his movement skills firsthand. Iheanachor spent two seasons playing at the JUCO level with the East Los Angeles Huskies and quickly became one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2023 class.
As a three-star JUCO prospect, he was the third-ranked offensive tackle and considered the 11th-best player in his class. He committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils, despite receiving offers from Missouri, BYU, and Kansas. There was no real adjustment period for Iheanachor at the FBS level. He started in five of his six appearances as a junior in 2023 and allowed zero sacks across 324 snaps. Over his final two seasons with the Sun Devils, he logged over 1,750 snaps and posted an average pass blocking grade of 75.7, according to Pro Football Focus.
Accolades
Senior Bowl Participant (2026)
Second Team All-Big 12 (2025)
Best Tools
Max Iheanachor has the athletic upside that will allow him to be scheme-versatile at the next level. Laterally, he is quick enough to pull and beat his assignment to the spot. Vertically, he has the kind of speed to climb and knock defenders around at the second level. His foot speed helps him generate an impressive first step, while his lateral slide mirrors quicker defensive ends and off-ball linebackers.
In the run game, Iheanachor plays with physicality and strength to get after the defense. He showcases exceptional raw power at the point of attack by knocking defenders off the ball and opening up space for his running back. His grip strength and heavy hands prevent defenders from consistently latching onto him, and when Iheanachor engages with his assignment at the line, it’s all but over for his matchup.
Tools to Improve
The lack of experience is clear when evaluating Iheanachor. While there has been year-to-year improvement, he still possesses some fundamental and technical issues. His base is often too narrow, limiting his ability to anchor against stronger pass rushers. He exposes his chest with inconsistent hand placement that often lands wide of the mark. Overall, his hands need to become more nuanced. Iheanachor isn’t a great hand-fighter and will need to fill out his repertoire in order to protect his chest.
In terms of leverage, his poor pad level prevents him from maximizing his size and power as an offensive lineman. By fixing his leverage, Iheanachor could become a more powerful drive blocker in a gap scheme. Processing skills are still a work in progress for the former Sun Devil. He can struggle to find his assignment while on the move, as both a puller and in the second level. Stunts and twists present a real challenge for Iheanachor as he can start to panic and become flat-footed.
NFL Projection
Max Iheanachor is talented and possesses incredible upside, but he is still one of the most raw prospects in this draft class. With an invite to the NFL Combine, he has the chance to raise his stock even more after a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. This is a prospect who won’t be scheme-dependent. He has the size and frame to work in a gap scheme while possessing the athleticism to succeed as a zone blocker too. That being said, he still needs development, and Iheanachor’s best fit is with a team known for tapping into the potential of young offensive linemen. Somewhere like the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, or the Baltimore Ravens.
Main Photo: [Vasha Hunt] – Imagn Images