WR Jerquaden Guilford commits to Ohio State: "I want to be special so I got to join a special program"

Ohio State secured a commitment from Fort Wayne (Ind.) Northrop four-star receiver Jerquaden Guilford on Friday as the Hoosier State standout chose the Buckeyes over his other finalists in Ole Miss, Indiana and Michigan.

This one was a back-and-forth between Ohio State and the Rebels with head coach Ryan Day and company excited to add the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Guilford to a class that Rivals previously ranked No. 9 nationally.

Offensive coordinator/receivers coach Brian Hartline was Guilford’s lead recruiter. He visited Columbus several times including for camp and his official visit in the summer.

“Just the environment,” Guilford said of why he chose the Buckeyes. “The people. The development. Coach Hartline’s process don’t lie. He develops guys the best way. Always has first rounders. The receiver room is excellent. You’re going to be around that environment every day competing.”

It was the entire staff and culture that saw Guilford roll with the Buckeyes.

“Coach Ryan Day, (strength) Coach Mick (Marotti), all of them. Just the environment, all the coaches, all the players, it’s all a brotherhood and I want to be part of it.

“I want to be special so I got to join a special program. An elite program. I want to be an elite receiver. Elite receivers go to Ohio State.”

Guilford joins a class that already includes five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. along with fellow four-stars in Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Jaeden Ricketts and Lone Star State product Brock Burns.

“I mess with the guys in my class like Kayden, he’s real cool,” Guilford said. “That’s my dawg. Chris he’s real cool. And Brock that’s my dawg.”

Guilford had a terrific visit official visit to Ohio State.

“It was really good,” Guilford said. “I was able to get a more in-depth understanding of the culture. I wanted to see what made them what they are. The opportunity to play for Ohio State is not one to take lightly. It’s a proven program not just at the receiver position but across the board. It’s a competitive environment that forces individuals to be their best. 

“It was a really good visit.”

Guilford ranks as the country’s No. 58 receiver and No. 378 prospect overall. He is a former Penn State commit.

Scouting Ohio State commit Jerquaden Guilford

Dre Muhammad of Traction Ap and Gain Separation has trained many of the best wide outs to come out of the Hoosier State over the last decade and he loves what Guilford will bring to Penn State.

“Jerquaden shares similarities with elite prospects like (Ohio State’s) Mylan Graham, particularly in his commitment to mastering his craft and showcasing advanced skills. While there’s always room for growth and refinement, his natural talent and competitive spirit set him apart. He possesses an elite receiver skill set and thrives on competition, consistently elevating his performance as the stakes rise.

“Standing between 6’2″ and 6’3″, he runs a verified low 4.5 and weighs in at 190 pounds, with the potential to add another 10 pounds as he continues training before college. His stride length is exceptional, allowing him to cover significant ground effortlessly. Beyond his technical abilities, he’s a physical presence who isn’t afraid to block, is tough to bring down, and embraces every aspect of his development.

“Jerquaden is also maturing mentally, learning from those who came before him to adopt a professional mindset in his preparation and approach. He is undoubtedly among the top 15 receivers in the 2026 class, a status he reinforces by excelling against top competition in 7v7 and the summer circuit.