One of the top offensive tackle targets in the 2026 class has narrowed his decision down to two schools.
Four-star Ohio prospect Maxwell Riley announced on Tuesday his recruitment has come down to Ohio State and Clemson, so the Buckeyes will need to beat out the Tigers so keep the Avon Lake product home. Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Riley is considered the No. 97 prospect and No. 8 offensive tackle in the 2026 cycle. He’s been a starter for Avon Lake since his freshman year, playing both left and right tackle. In his junior season, he primarily played left tackle.
Thank you to all the schools that have dedicated their time and resources towards recruiting me. With that being said Ill be making my college decision between The Ohio State University and Clemson University.
— Maxwell Riley (@bigmax2026) January 21, 2025
Proverbs 3:5-6 pic.twitter.com/j1IAfx9geq
The 6-foot-5, 280-pound standout has been a frequent visitor to Ohio State over the past few years, as he picked up his Buckeyes offer early in his high school career. He’s also developed a strong relationship with Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke, so both schools are worthy contenders for Riley’s commitment.
“That was a surreal experience," Riley told Eleven Warriors in the spring of 2023 after receiving his OSU offer. "I grew up an Ohio State fan and always watched them on Saturdays with my dad and grandpa. Finally getting to meet them in person and experience that was pretty cool. He wanted to offer me because of my potential.”
As Riley mentioned, he grew up an OSU fan, primarily idolizing former Ohio State offensive tackle Orlando Pace. Now, it’ll be up to the Buckeyes and OSU offensive line coach Justin Frye to attempt to keep him home. A recent national championship under their belts probably can’t hurt the pitch.
A decision from Riley could come soon, perhaps within the next month or so.
Recruits react to Ohio State winning a national championship
I’m sure you may have noticed, but the Buckeyes brought home a national title on Monday following their 34-23 defeat of Notre Dame. You weren’t the only one paying attention, as various prospects in the 2026 and 2027 recruiting classes had their eyes on the Buckeyes competing in the national championship.
A good portion of them reacted on social media before and after the contest and we’ve compiled a few of their reactions below.
— Jamier "Showtime" Brown (@ShowTimee_23) January 21, 2025
Thats a year right there.
— Jakob Weatherspoon (@spoonjw) January 21, 2025
Congratulations to @OhioStateFB for getting it done! Heck of a postseason run. Their OL room is getting the job done no matter what @CoachJFrye @ryandaytime #NSGB pic.twitter.com/8mG9MA3V4d
— Jackson Cantwell (@jcantwell2499) January 21, 2025
— Cincere Johnson 4 (@JCincere8) January 21, 2025
Congratulations on winning the National Championship #GoBucks @CoachJFrye @ryandaytime @CoachSollenne @markpantoni @parkerwereb8 @RyanMayhew_ @N_Murph @OhioStateFB @TarvosAlford_II pic.twitter.com/gCGLxR65ni
— Micah Champion Smith (@ChampSmith55) January 21, 2025
#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/O33p6uS6EL
— Jayden Dean (@J_Dean34) January 21, 2025
i committed when I did for a reason, I believed!!! NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!! #GoBucks
— Brady Edmunds 2027 (@bradyedmunds9) January 21, 2025
Crib ? pic.twitter.com/kWqCn29GHe
— Elbert Hill (@Rockk114) January 21, 2025
@ryandaytime best coach in the nation!!
— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) January 21, 2025
Buckeyes by a billion!
— Adam Guthrie (@AdamGuthrie21) January 20, 2025
BTA by BIA.
— Adam Guthrie (@AdamGuthrie21) January 21, 2025
#GoBucks TN
— Maxwell Hiller 5OT (@HillerMaxwell) January 20, 2025
#GoBucks https://t.co/1S4NMIJLVg
— Savion Cinco Hiter (High-ter) (@5starsavi) January 21, 2025
OSU offers Adryan Cole, Dre Quinn
Ohio State has entered the recruitment of one of the top safeties in the 2027 recruiting class. The Buckeyes offered four-star Georgia prospect Adryan Cole on Friday, just a few days before they won the national title in his home city of Atlanta.
THEE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY OFFERED!!! @ChadSimmons_ @TomLoy247 @N_Murph @247recruiting @On3Recruits @OhioStateFB @CClemente247 @RivalsWardlaw @adamgorney @CoachKev79 @CoachBMiller35 @RustyMansell_ pic.twitter.com/c1SKmjBv5p
— Adryan Cole (@adryan_cole) January 17, 2025
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Cole is considered the No. 39 prospect and No. 3 safety in the 2027 cycle. He’s earned 23 Division I offers, including Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Bowling Green, Charlotte, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Miami, Michigan State, Mizzou, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, UAB, UCF, UConn and Utah.
Also of note, OSU offered four-star 2026 defensive end Dre Quinn last week, who’s considered the No. 328 prospect and No. 27 edge player in his class. Like Cole, Quinn is a Georgia product.
#AGTG Extremely Blessed to receive my 26th offer from @OhioStateFB ! #GoBucks @N_Murph @GACFootball @CoachBuzzAldrin @Mhoward38 @CoachBeck56 pic.twitter.com/XxZ0iYo2Yh
— Dre Quinn 4 Edge (@Dre2Quinn) January 16, 2025
He holds 30 Division I offers, including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, SMU, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. OSU Director of Recruiting Strategy Nick Murphy was the one who offered Quinn while the Buckeyes prepared to face the Fighting Irish.
Last season, Quinn recorded 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
