Georgia Misses Out on Top Offensive Line Recruit

Five-star prospect Maxwell Hiller excludes Bulldogs from final four schools

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Georgia's pursuit of top offensive line recruit Maxwell Hiller hit a setback as the five-star prospect from Coatesville, Pennsylvania announced his final four schools, with the Bulldogs not making the cut. Hiller, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman and No. 11 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class, had previously included Georgia in his top eight, but has now narrowed his focus to Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio State.

Why it matters

Landing elite offensive line talent is crucial for Georgia's continued success under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have built a strong 2027 recruiting class, but missing out on a prospect of Hiller's caliber would be a significant blow, especially if he ends up committing to a rival SEC program.

The details

Hiller, a 6-foot-5.5, 305-pound offensive lineman, is one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2027 cycle. Georgia had been making a strong push for his commitment, hosting him for an unofficial visit earlier in the recruiting process. However, Hiller has now narrowed his list to four schools - Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio State - leaving the Bulldogs on the outside looking in.

  • In July, Hiller announced a top eight schools that included Georgia.
  • On February 7, 2026, Hiller revealed his final four schools, with Georgia not making the cut.

The players

Maxwell Hiller

A five-star offensive line recruit from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, ranked as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman and No. 11 overall player in the 2027 class.

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football team, who has been working to build a strong 2027 recruiting class.

Georgia Bulldogs

The college football team that finished the 2025 season 12-2, winning the SEC title but losing to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl.

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What’s next

Hiller is expected to announce his final college decision in the coming months, with Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio State remaining in the running. Georgia will continue to pursue other top offensive line prospects to bolster their 2027 class.

The takeaway

Missing out on a top-tier offensive line recruit like Maxwell Hiller is a setback for Georgia, as the Bulldogs look to maintain their status as one of the premier programs in college football. However, Kirby Smart and his staff have demonstrated the ability to build strong recruiting classes, and they will need to pivot quickly to identify and secure other elite linemen to fill the void left by Hiller's decision.