South Carolina has landed a major early win on the recruiting trail, positioning itself at the center of one of the most important battles in the 2027 cycle.
Five star interior offensive lineman, one of the most highly regarded prospects in the country regardless of position, has scheduled his first official visit, and it will be to Columbia. Maxwell Hiller plans to be on campus from June 19 through June 21, giving the Gamecocks a critical three day opportunity to make a lasting impression on a true blue chip talent.
Hiller sits near the very top of the national rankings in the 2027 class. According to the latest 247Sports evaluations, he is ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the country, the top interior offensive lineman in his class, and the No. 1 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania. At roughly 6 foot 5 and 300 pounds, he already possesses the size and athletic traits that project him as a future difference maker in the trenches and a potential early contributor at the college level.
The significance of this visit goes beyond rankings alone. This will be Hiller’s first official visit to any program, giving South Carolina a valuable head start as the initial Power Five staff to host him in an official setting. That early access allows the Gamecocks to set the tone for his recruitment and establish a benchmark other programs will have to chase.
The timing also adds another layer of intrigue. South Carolina is navigating this recruitment after a coaching change along the offensive line. Randy Clements took over the position following the midseason departure of Lonnie Teasley, who had been Hiller’s primary recruiter and spent considerable time building that relationship. Hiller has acknowledged the transition does factor into the process, though it has not diminished his interest in the program.
“A little bit, yes,” Hiller told The Post and Courier. “I had really good relationships with everybody at South Carolina. Obviously, I still have a really good relationship with everybody at South Carolina. I still feel the same about South Carolina, it’s just that I have to build these relationships back up with these new coaches and the new staff members.”
Official visits are often where those relationships are solidified, and the fact that South Carolina secured Hiller’s first one suggests the program remains in a strong position despite the staff turnover. Interior offensive linemen of Hiller’s caliber are rare and often serve as foundational pieces for elite programs. If this visit goes well, it could help transform a moment of uncertainty into real momentum for the Gamecocks in the 2027 cycle.