Eric Boggs
Ohio State made a significant splash in the 2026 recruiting cycle with the commitment of four-star offensive tackle Maxwell Riley. Despite Clemson’s strong push in recent months, the Buckeyes ultimately won the battle for the talented in-state prospect. Riley, who had been torn between Ohio State and Clemson, chose to stay home and play for a perennial national title contender.
While the commitment will be credited to new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, it was former Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye who first identified Riley’s potential early in the recruiting process. The Buckeyes extended an offer to Riley in March 2023, making him the first offensive lineman in the 2026 class to receive an offer from OSU.
“That was a surreal experience,” Riley told Eleven Warriors after receiving the offer. “I grew up an Ohio State fan and always watched them on Saturdays with my dad and grandpa. Finally getting to meet Ryan Day in person and experiencing that was pretty cool. He wanted to offer me because of my potential.”
The Avon Lake standout is now the fifth member of Ohio State’s 2026 class, joining five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., wide receiver Jaeden Ricketts, cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon, and tight end Corbyn Fordham. Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Riley is the No. 114 overall prospect and the No. 9 offensive tackle in the country.
Riley’s high school coach, Matt Kostelnik, has long been impressed with his development and work ethic. “He’s got some of the best footwork I’ve ever seen out of a kid his size,” Kostelnik told Eleven Warriors. “We knew there was a lot of potential there. He does O-line specific work multiple times a week, whether it’s with us or a trainer. He’s a shot put thrower as well. When Coach Frye asked me about him, I told him this is the first time as a head coach that I’ve been able to run outside zone consistently. That’s because we can run behind Max. He’s got the ability to get his hips downfield, engage defenders, and finish plays. Off the field, he’s the nicest kid, but when he puts that helmet on, he plays with an edge.”
Riley has experience at both tackle positions but primarily plays left tackle for his high school team. His build and athleticism project well for him to remain at the position at the collegiate level, where he has the potential to develop into a multi-year starter for the Buckeyes.
Though Riley’s commitment is a major win for Bowen and the Buckeyes, Ohio State remains aggressive in targeting top offensive line prospects. Other priority targets in the 2026 class include Sam Greer, Jackson Cantwell, Micah Champ Smith, Evan Goodwin, Felix Ojo, Darius Gray, and Drew Evers.
Ohio State’s Spring Recruiting Momentum
As Ohio State gears up for spring practice, the Buckeyes are preparing to host several high-profile recruits. One notable visitor is 2026 four-star safety Donovan Webb from Frisco, Texas. Webb, whose recruitment has skyrocketed in recent months, holds more than 30 offers from top programs, including Ohio State. He is set to visit Columbus on May 30, along with official visits to Texas Tech, TCU, Baylor, SMU, Kansas State, Michigan, LSU, and Oklahoma. Currently ranked as the No. 25 safety and No. 296 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite, Webb is expected to see his ranking rise in future updates.
Another key visitor is 2027 five-star wide receiver Dakota Guerrant from Harper Woods, Michigan. Despite only two years of high school football experience, Guerrant has already received over 30 scholarship offers. His upcoming visits include stops at Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio State on March 24. As the No. 4 wide receiver and No. 22 overall player in the 2027 class, Guerrant’s recruitment is shaping up to be a Big Ten battle, and the Buckeyes will look to make a strong impression during his visit.
In addition, 2026 four-star edge rusher Asharri Charles from Venice, Florida, is scheduled to visit Ohio State on March 29. Charles, who has seen his stock rise significantly, holds offers from several top programs and has planned spring visits to LSU, Miami, Texas A&M, Colorado, and Penn State. He has also scheduled official visits to Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky, and Miami, making the Hurricanes a strong contender for his commitment. Ranked as the No. 20 edge rusher and No. 213 overall prospect, Charles will be a key target for the Buckeyes as they look to bolster their defensive front.
With spring practice set to begin and recruiting activity heating up, Ohio State remains focused on maintaining its dominance on the recruiting trail. The Buckeyes continue to pursue top talent across multiple positions, ensuring they stay in the hunt for a national championship in the coming years.
