Max Riley Narrows Recruitment to Clemson and Ohio State

Max on a visit to Clemson in 2024. (Photo Courtesy: Max Riley/X @bigmax2026)

The highly sought-after 6-foot-5, 280-pound offensive tackle from Avon Valley, Ohio, Max Riley, has officially narrowed down his list of more than 30 scholarship offers to Ohio State and Clemson, two elite schools. Currently ranked No. 4 in Ohio and No. 9 among interior offensive linemen, the 2026 standout is ranked No. 128 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking.

With a 93% grade and an incredible 76 pancake blocks in just 11 games during his junior season, Riley's dominating play on the field has drawn national attention. His reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation was reinforced when he was selected to the Division II All-Ohio first team for the second straight year due to his constant excellence.

Although Ohio State and Clemson both have strong recruiting pasts, Riley's choice will have a particularly significant impact on the Tigers. Three-star tackle Braden Wilmes of Lawrence, Kansas, has already committed to Clemson in the 2026 class, and the school is looking to add a high-profile player like Riley to increase the depth of its offensive line. In their quest to rebuild and regain their place among college football's best, head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff would consider landing the Avon Valley standout a major victory. The stakes for Ohio State are just as high. Following a 34-23 victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship, head coach Ryan Day has the Buckeyes on a roll. Even after winning the championship, Ohio State has not yet acquired a tackle in the 2026 class. Along with strengthening their offensive line, Riley would carry on their legacy of drawing elite players from Buckeye State.

Riley's recruitment demonstrates the intense competition between these two programs, both of which have a track record of success in Northeast Ohio. Though Ohio State's proximity and long tradition in the state offer a serious threat, Clemson has had remarkable success luring talent from the area. Riley is anticipated to be a game-changer for whatever institution he decides to attend. He is considered the top offensive tackle in Ohio going into his senior year. Both Ohio State and Clemson understand how important it is to secure his commitment for their upcoming seasons and for their class of 2026. The college football world will be watching Riley as he gets closer to making his choice. Will he stay near home to maintain Ohio State's position as a national powerhouse, or will he move south to Clemson and join a program eager to reclaim its prominence? The outcome may have impacts long after 2026.

Recruiting Source: On3.com