Top Clemson OL Target Down to Two Schools
By: Robert MacRae January 21, 2025

One of Clemson’s top offensive line targets in the 2026 class has officially narrowed down his recruitment to two schools.

Avon Lake (Ohio) four-star Maxwell Riley announced via social media Tuesday that his college decision will come down to Clemson and Ohio State.

“Thank you to all the schools that have dedicated their time and resources towards recruiting me,” Riley wrote in a social media post. “With that being said I’ll be making my college decision between The Ohio State University and Clemson University.”

Riley, who lists more than two dozen offers, was among the first wave of 2026 recruits to score an offer from Clemson in early June of last year.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder is ranked among the country’s top prospects in the 2026 class, regardless of position, by multiple recruiting services. According to Rivals, he is the seventh-best offensive tackle and No. 55 overall prospect in his class.

Clemson has played host to Riley numerous times, most recently in late November for the game vs. The Citadel.

As The Clemson Insider reported, Riley had planned to visit Clemson this weekend, but the visit has been postponed. He has yet to set a makeup date but told TCI he would be back on campus “soon.” We do already know Riley won’t be able to attend the Elite Retreat on March 8 because he has a conflict due to his track schedule.

Reflecting on his previous experiences at Clemson, what stands out the most to Riley?

“Emphasis on faith and life after football for sure,” he told TCI last spring. “I got a great first impression of Coach (Matt) Luke as well, he seems like a good man who’s passionate about the game and his players.”