Ohio State is blessed to have three of the top twenty offensive tackles in the 2026 recruiting cycle in their backyard. After winning a national title, you’d think it would be easy getting one or even all three to commit to the Buckeyes. But that’s not the case in this new Wild West era of NIL. Ryan Day and new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen are in a desperate fight to land any of the three.
Maxwell Riley (Avon Lake)
On Thursday, three Crystal Ball predictions were given by 247 Sports for Ohio’s top offensive lineman to commit to Clemson. It is no secret Rthat iley really likes the Tigers, but this battle is far from over. None of those predictions were given by longtime Ohio recruiting guru Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts, the guy I trust more than anyone else when it comes to OSU recruiting.
He spoke directly with Riley Thursday night and was told the coaching changes made by the Buckeyes may push back his decision. He had hoped to announce his choice by the end of this month, and while that still could happen, he said he wants to make a visit to the Buckeyes when the recruiting dead period ends in early March. Riley (6’5”, 280 pounds) is the nation’s number nine offensive tackle and third overall recruit in Ohio.
Adam Guthrie (Miami Trace)
This one looks like a real uphill battle for the Buckeyes. Four members of the 247 Sports recruiting staff have given predictions for the nation’s 13th-rated tackle for Clemson (Kurelic has not given one yet), with two of those coming within the last few days.
Although it may not look good right now, the Buckeyes still have a chance because Guthrie will visit them in early June. If you can get an uncommitted recruit on campus, you still have an opportunity to land him. Bowen has three and a half months to forge a relationship with the 6’7”, 285-pound Guthrie and make Ohio State a very serious contender. His visit to Columbus will be sandwiched between trips to Clemson and Penn State. Don’t be surprised if Georgia gets one as well.
Sam Greer (Hoban)
So far, he’s the only one out of these three who does not have any officials visit set, but expect that to change soon. Greer (6’6.5”, 310 pounds) recently took unofficial visits to Florida State and Florida-his second to Gainsville, to see the Gators.
He likes what he’s hearing from the Florida coaching staff, but there aren’t any predictions yet for them to land the Akron native. He told 247 Sports that they are starting to stand out, and he will definitely take an official visit there. Greer also said he would probably visit Missouri, Ohio State, Tennessee, and one other school. He is the 17th-ranked tackle nationally.
It is going to be interesting to see if Tyler Bowen can make inroads with any of these three. The offensive line coaching change has put the Buckeyes in a hole a bit, but I don’t doubt he can make up ground. I think the best-case scenario is the Buckeyes landing two of these three. For me, that would be a recruiting win.