Future Buckeye OL Maxwell Riley Caps high school as student of the month

Max Riley committed to Ohio State in March 2025

It's never how you start, right?

From football to life itself, we're measured on responding to obstacles. Maxwell Riley is well aware both on and off of the field.

The future Ohio State Buckeye blocker was recognized for his actions by Avon Lake High School recently, tabbing the senior the student-athlete of the month.

It wasn't about his ability to move defensive players against their will on Friday nights.

"We're here to celebrate his character," an ALHS teacher and assistant coach said. "He embodies the 'service above self' rotary motto. Max is a tremendous leader who shows high character. Max, many times, is the last one on the field after helping clean the field. He would do the same in the locker room, so often times he was the last student to leave the facility.

"Today I want to recognize the person, Max, not the athlete."

As the football season has come to an end for the blue-chip lineman, Riley's award adds to a slew of off-the-field accolades to his name from being a captain in multiple sports to his role as founder and vice president within the school's Fellowship of the Christian Athlete program. He is also involved with 'a Night to Shine,' an annual prom event for those with special needs, in addition to years of service with the Special Olympics.

Riley, also active within his church, takes inspiration to help others from within his own home.

"This service holds an important place in my heart," Riley said. "My little brother Teddy, who is eight years old, is autistic.

"It's been a driving factor for me."

Despite holding two-dozen scholarship offers prior to the in-state commitment to the top-ranked Buckeyes, academics is another area of focus where accomplishments have piled up.

Riley will graduate a semester early, come December, in order to enroll at Ohio State in January to begin his collegiate career on all fronts.

The current plan is for the senior to major in criminal justice while playing football at OSU.