Ohio State Eyes a Major In-State Offensive Line Prospect for 2026
The Ohio State Buckeyes are riding high on the momentum of their national championship victory, and the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the field. Fresh off their shining triumph, the Buckeyes are working tirelessly to fortify their roster, with offensive line coach Justin Frye leading the charge. His success in both coaching and player development during the season has positioned Ohio State as a coveted destination for elite talent, particularly within the offensive trenches. Now, the Buckeyes find themselves locked in a pivotal recruiting battle for one of the most sought-after prospects in Ohio: Maxwell Riley.
Standing at a towering 6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at 280 pounds, Riley is a physical specimen with all the tools to excel at the next level. Ranked as the No. 97 player nationally and the eighth-best offensive tackle in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Riley has become a crown jewel of in-state recruiting. Ohio State has been closely monitoring him, but the road to his commitment is anything but easy. Clemson, a perennial recruiting powerhouse, remains a formidable competitor in this race.
Rumors suggest Riley might be drawn to the intimate atmosphere of Clemson, contrasting with the sprawling campus of Ohio State. A loss to Clemson here would undoubtedly sting, but the Buckeyes’ inclusion in Riley’s final two is a testament to their enduring appeal and recent success. It’s rare for top-tier Ohio prospects to leave the state, and Frye is pulling out all the stops to ensure Riley dons the scarlet and gray. With the program’s current surge in energy and prestige, coupled with Frye’s proven track record, Ohio State has plenty of ammunition to keep Riley close to home.
Buckeyes Make the Cut for Five-Star Running Back
Ohio State’s championship-winning formula isn’t just resonating with offensive linemen—it’s also catching the attention of elite running backs across the nation. After witnessing the dynamic duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins shred defenses en route to dual 1,000-yard seasons, the Buckeyes are becoming an irresistible destination for backfield stars. Enter Derrek Cooper, a five-star talent from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, who recently named Ohio State among his top 10 schools.
Cooper, ranked as the No. 23 player nationally and the third-best athlete in the 2026 class, trimmed his extensive offer list of 30 programs to a select few, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ inclusion is no accident. Their strong ties to Cooper’s high school, which produced current Buckeye standout Jeremiah Smith, and their success developing elite talent have kept Ohio State in the mix for Cooper’s services.
While it’s too early to call Ohio State the frontrunner, the program’s ability to showcase a national championship ring and two explosive backs is undoubtedly a game-changer. With more than ten offers extended to running backs in the 2026 class, Ohio State’s recruiting prowess remains as strong as ever. Cooper’s eventual commitment could swing in favor of the Buckeyes if they continue building on their recent dominance.
Thank you to all the schools that have dedicated their time and resources towards recruiting me. With that being said I’ll be making my college decision between The Ohio State University and Clemson University.
Proverbs 3:5-6 pic.twitter.com/j1IAfx9geq
— Maxwell Riley (@bigmax2026) January 21, 2025
Momentum Builds Around Top Talent
The Buckeyes’ championship run isn’t just boosting their chances with Riley and Cooper—it’s creating waves across the entire recruiting landscape. Five-star athletes across the country are taking notice of the Buckeyes’ historic season. Among them is Jackson Cantwell, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive tackle who is ranked as the No. 1 player nationally by the 247Sports Composite. Cantwell hasn’t hesitated to share his admiration for Ohio State’s program, recently praising their dominance during the final stretch of the season in an interview with On3’s Steve Wiltfong.
It’s clear that winning on the biggest stage is an invaluable recruiting tool. The Buckeyes, already an attractive option for top players, are now in an even stronger position to secure commitments from the best of the best. Whether it’s landing in-state standouts like Riley or drawing in out-of-state phenoms like Cooper, Ohio State’s national title is opening doors that could lead to a dynasty of talent.
As the Buckeyes look to maintain their championship form, their recruiting efforts are poised to keep them at the pinnacle of college football. For Ohio State, the future is as bright as the championship trophy that now adorns their trophy case.
