5-Star OL ‘Extremely Interested’ in Clemson, Recaps ‘Fantastic’ Visit
By: Gavin Oliver November 22, 2023

One of the prominent prospects that Clemson played host to last Saturday was this elite offensive lineman.

Avon Lake (Ohio) High School five-star tackle Maxwell Riley was an unofficial visitor for the Tigers’ 31-20 victory over North Carolina.

“Overall the visit was just fantastic, I have nothing but positive things to say about it,” Riley told The Clemson Insider. “I’d say the highlight was being in the locker room postgame and getting to meet some coaches/players in there.”

Riley, ranked as a top-15 national recruit in the 2026 class regardless of position, made the trip to Tiger Town with his grandmother who likewise had a great experience.

“She loved it,” Riley said. “She loved the hospitality and liked a lot of what the program was about, as did I.”

Riley also visited Clemson this past June, but Saturday was his first time taking in a game at Death Valley.

“The atmosphere in Death Valley was beyond amazing,” he said. “I don’t think it can get much better than how it was this past Saturday.”

While on campus, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound sophomore had the chance to spend time with head coach Dabo Swinney and members of Swinney’s staff such as offensive line coach Thomas Austin and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.

“Mainly talked a lot about the program and what they’re about,” Riley said.

Riley’s early offer list features around a dozen schools, including Florida State, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Following an impressive first gameday visit to Clemson, what would it mean to Riley to receive an offer from the Tigers in the future?

“After this visit I can confidently say I’m extremely interested in Clemson,” he said. “To receive an offer from them would truly be a blessing.”

Riley is the No. 2 prospect in the state of Ohio, No. 4 offensive tackle nationally and No. 14 overall prospect in the country for the 2026 class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. He has also traveled to Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan and Florida State this season.

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.