News Summary
Tilden Riley, a standout 6-foot-5 tight end from Orangeburg Preparatory School, is making waves in South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class. After receiving an offer from the University of South Carolina, he is scheduled for multiple official visits to other top colleges. His impressive skills extend beyond football to baseball and basketball, where he has also excelled. As he prepares for college recruitment, Riley remains focused on his athletic enhancements during his senior year.
Orangeburg, South Carolina – Tilden Riley, a promising 6-foot-5, 211-pound tight end from Orangeburg Preparatory School, is quickly emerging as a key prospect in South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class. Alongside his football aspirations, Riley is also a talented athlete in baseball and basketball, demonstrating his versatility in sports.
Riley’s recruitment process has gained significant momentum this spring, particularly after receiving an athletic scholarship offer from the University of South Carolina on April 7. This offer came after he participated in a junior day event earlier in the year, solidifying his position as a top recruit. In addition to the Gamecocks, he holds offers from several other schools, including Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, and Duke.
This summer, Riley plans to embark on a series of official college visits, aiming to explore and evaluate his options for the future. His scheduled visits include Virginia Tech on May 30, West Virginia on June 6, Vanderbilt on June 13, and South Carolina on June 20. He is weighing several factors as he considers prospective schools, including relationships with coaches, the family atmosphere of the team, and overall fit within the program.
Currently, Riley’s primary focus is on leading his baseball team at Orangeburg Prep, where they have reached a crucial winner-take-all matchup following a challenging Game 1 against Hilton Head Prep in the Class 3A state championships. His performance as an athlete has been commendable this season, notably achieving a batting average of .457.
Beyond baseball, Riley has also excelled in basketball, achieving significant milestones during his junior year. He scored over 1,000 points in basketball, averaging 18.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. His athletic achievements have drawn comparisons to previous standout athletes from the same school, notably Bill Spiers, who also made a name for himself in sports.
As Riley prepares to conclude his baseball season and transition into his senior year, he aims to enhance his strength and speed to further elevate his on-field performance. His dedication extends beyond his personal goals; he has expressed eagerness regarding the recruitment process and the opportunities that lie ahead. Being an in-state athlete, the offer from South Carolina holds special significance for him, representing a chance for him to perform at a major university close to home.
Riley has developed a strong rapport with Coach Shawn Elliott and the rest of the Gamecock coaching staff, enhancing his enthusiasm about the possibility of playing for the state team. He values the investment they have shown in him as both an athlete and an individual, and he is motivated to make a well-informed decision regarding his future. With his official visits lined up and a promising sporting career ahead, Riley’s journey is being closely monitored by fans and scouts alike.
As Tilden Riley continues to balance his sports commitments with college recruitment efforts, he remains a dynamic figure in South Carolina athletics, with potential prospects that could pave the way for a successful future, both in academics and athletics.
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HERE Resources
Gamecocks Enhance Football Recruiting Efforts
Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Tilden Riley Recruitment
- The State: USC Football
- SI: Tilden Riley Offer
- WLTX: Changes in Orangeburg
- The State: USC Recruiting
- Wikipedia: Tilden Riley
- Google Search: Tilden Riley Football
- Google Scholar: Tilden Riley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tilden Riley
- Google News: Tilden Riley
