Ohio State Buckeyes offensive line coach has scored his first recruit since joining the Buckeyes.
Offensive line recruiting is a point of emphasis for the Buckeyes after missing out on some key recruits the last few years. Ohio State is able to cross off a major box in 2026 by keeping a big-time player in Ohio.
Tyler Bowen and the Buckeyes have received a commitment from 2026 four-star OT Maxwell Riley, who is a prospect that the Buckeyes couldn’t afford to miss out on. Riley chose the Buckeyes over Clemson, who many believed may have been the favorite in the race. The Tigers have long been a thorn in the side of the Buckeyes when it comes to offensive line recruiting.
According to 247 Sports, Riley is the No. 4 offensive tackle in the class of 2026 and the No. 87 overall player. Riley is listed as the No. 2 player in the state of Ohio. This a key addition for the Buckeyes after four-star offensive tackle Adam Guthrie committed to Clemson last week. Guthrie is the No. 20 offensive tackle in the country and another player in the state of Ohio that the coaching staff wanted in Columbus.
Riley is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound tackle from Avon Lake, Ohio, and holds 26 total offers. Schools like Alabama, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, and Penn State had offered Riley. Ohio State would love to land another four-star offensive tackle in-state and that is Akron Hoban’s Sam Greer.
Ohio State is now up to five commitments in the class of 2026 as the group begins to take shape for the Buckeyes. Five-star WR Chris Henry Jr. is the top commitment for Ohio State. Riley was one that the Buckeyes couldn’t let get away.