And then there were four. That's the case for 5-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller, who revealed this week that he's down to Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida and Alabama. While plenty of people think he'll be SEC-bound, Ryan Day is working his magic to prevent that from happening.
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He's also getting some help from a playmaker who is already planning to suit up for him at the next level. Linebacker Quinton Cypher, a North Carolina product, is already an Ohio State commit and he didn't hold back with his message for Hiller after he revealed that the Buckeyes are among his finalists:
GO BUCKEYES! https://t.co/4V6P7mpV4O
— Quinton cypher (@CypherQuinton) February 8, 2026
LB Quinton Cypher is helping Ohio State push for 5-star OL Maxwell Hiller
While this may not seem like a big deal to many people, it's the small stuff that can help a program like Ohio State pull off a major recruiting win. And that's what's going to be needed here with Alabama, Florida and Tennessee all-in for Hiller as well.
The Buckeyes and Day would love nothing more than to make a statement here by bringing in the nation's top-ranked interior offensive lineman. While Ohio State has missed out on some 5-star targets already this cycle, Hiller is giving the Buckeyes a serious look.
According to the 247Sports Composite, the 6-5, 300-pounder is ranked five stars, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the country, No. 2 player from Pennsylvania and No. 10 player overall for the 2027 class. Throughout his recruitment, the touted prospect has picked up 31 offers, but he's indeed down to just four programs.
It goes without saying, but Ohio State must prioritize the offensive line moving forward, as it's a major position of need. Straight up, the Buckeyes need help at both tackle and guard - focusing on elite talent for the '27 haul is what's needed.
The next order of business for Day and his staff will be to get Hiller back on campus soon for an official visit. He was recently in Columbus for an unofficial. Thus far, he has locked in trips to Alabama for May 29, Tennessee for June 12 and Florida on June 19. It's unknown when he'll take his OV to Ohio State, but it will surely come before he shuts down his recruitment.