Penn State’s new era under head coach Matt Campbell is off to a fast-and promising-start on the recruiting trail. Since taking the reins, Campbell has wasted no time reestablishing the Nittany Lions as a serious player in the 2026 and 2027 recruiting classes. And now, he's got his sights set on one of the biggest names in the trenches: five-star interior offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller.
Hiller, a powerhouse out of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, isn’t just any recruit. He’s the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class and ranks as the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, per 247Sports Composite. That’s elite territory-and Penn State is right in the thick of it.
The buzz around Hiller is growing, and for good reason. Standing out in a class loaded with talent is no easy feat, but Hiller checks just about every box.
His size, agility, and versatility make him one of the most coveted linemen in the country. And even with a long list of blue bloods chasing him-Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and Miami, just to name a few-Penn State has something the others don’t: a head start.
The Nittany Lions were the first program to offer Hiller, and they were also the first campus he visited. That kind of early relationship matters in recruiting, and it’s clear the connection has only grown stronger.
Since 2024, Hiller has made 11 visits to Happy Valley, the most recent coming on September 27, 2025. While all of those visits have been unofficial, it’s hard to ignore the consistency and frequency with which he’s returned to campus.
Hiller’s recruitment is far from over-he has an official visit lined up with South Carolina for June 19-but Penn State is firmly in the mix. The staff’s energy and developmental approach are clearly resonating.
As Hiller told On3, it’s “the energy they bring and the way they develop” that’s caught his attention. That’s the kind of feedback that suggests a real connection is forming, not just a surface-level courtship.
What makes Hiller even more intriguing is his two-way potential. According to 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks, Hiller isn’t just dominant on offense-he’s got the tools to play on the defensive line as well.
That kind of athleticism is rare for a player his size. Brooks projects Hiller as an “elite guard” with the flexibility to kick out to tackle if needed, both at the college level and beyond.
And yes, he sees him as a future early-round NFL Draft pick.
There’s also a family angle that could play in Penn State’s favor. Hiller’s younger brother, Colton, is a 2028 basketball prospect who’s already received offers from Penn State and Kansas State. While they’re in different sports, the idea of both brothers landing in Happy Valley could be an added bonus for the Nittany Lions.
Bottom line: Penn State is making a strong push for one of the top linemen in the country, and they’re doing it by building relationships, showing consistency, and selling a vision that’s clearly resonating with elite talent. Matt Campbell and his staff aren’t just looking to maintain Penn State’s recruiting momentum-they’re aiming to elevate it. And if they can land a cornerstone like Maxwell Hiller, it would send a loud message to the rest of college football: the Nittany Lions are building something serious.