2026 WR Jerquaden Guilford commits to Penn State adding to top five recruiting class

Fort Wayne (Ind.) Northrop 2026 receiver Jerquaden Guilford has committed to Penn State.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Guilford was in State College for the Nittany Lions season finale against Maryland. He becomes commit No. 8 for head coach James Franklin and his staff early in the cycle.

“I believe Coach Franklin is an outstanding coach who has brought consistency and stability to the program,” Guilford told On3. “While I understand the business side of football, he creates a genuine family atmosphere that extends throughout the coaching staff. 

Future position coach Marques Hagans has been very involved in recruiting Guilford to Happy Valley and Rashad Elby played a big role as well. Guilford chose Penn State over offers that also include Indiana, Miami, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State and Wisconsin among others.

“I’ve truly enjoyed working with Coach Hagans and appreciate how he didn’t just recruit me but built a meaningful relationship with me,” Guilford said. “Coach Elby has also been authentic and honest with me throughout the entire process, which I deeply respect. For me, it’s about the relationships, not just the recruiting.”

Guilford adds to a Penn State class that the On3 Industry ranked No. 5 nationally prior to his pledge. He also camped there during the summer.

“I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who’ve guided me on what to look for in a program, and Penn State has consistently stood out as one of the top programs in the country,” Guilford said. “I’m confident I can contribute to elevating the wide receiver room and am excited about the challenge of helping Coach Franklin take the program to even greater heights. My goal is to enhance their perimeter production and compete for championships as part of the ‘we are’ legacy.”

Over the last two seasons Guilford has turned 61 receptions into 930 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging over 15 yards per catch.

Scouting Penn 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.