Big-bodied, in-state Louisville OL with early upside
In 2026, Max Merz enters Louisville as a true freshman offensive lineman with prototype size at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds and a local pedigree from Highlands High School. He was rated as a three-star recruit and earned Kentucky all-state recognition in high school, suggesting he brings a solid base of toughness, leverage, and coachability rather than flashy-star hype. The fit? He looks like a developmental interior-line piece who could grow into a dependable power blocker if his hand placement, foot quickness, and consistency keep trending up.
