Max Riley’s Big Decision: Ohio State or Clemson?
Max Riley, a standout offensive lineman from Avon Lake, Ohio, is getting ready to make a huge decision. With over 30 offers on the table, this four-star recruit is narrowing down his college choices.
On Tuesday, Max took to Twitter to announce he’s choosing between two big names: Ohio State and Clemson.
“Thank you to all the schools that have dedicated their time and resources toward recruiting me,” Max tweeted. “With that being said, I’ll be making my college decision between The Ohio State University and Clemson University.”
At 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, Max is not just any player. He’s ranked as the No. 128 prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. That means he’s one of the top players in the country. Specifically, he’s the No. 9 interior offensive lineman nationwide and the No. 4 recruit in Ohio.
Back in November, Max shared with On3’s Chad Simmons that he planned to decide by January or February. This was after some important visits to Michigan State and Ohio State earlier in the fall, plus a trip to Clemson’s Death Valley in November.
So, what’s on Max’s mind as he makes this tough choice? He says he’s looking at academics, program culture, coaching staff, life after football, and the faith base of each program.
Right now, it looks like the home-state Buckeyes are in the lead. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State is the favorite. They’ve got a lot going for them with a recent national championship and a top-5 recruiting class in 2025. Their 2026 class isn’t too shabby either, led by Chris Henry Jr., a Five-Star Plus+ receiver, and in-state four-star athlete Jakob Weatherspoon.
What will Max decide? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s for sure—wherever he goes, it’s going to be pretty amazing.
