Penn State picks up commitment No. 8 in Class of 2026 from WR Jerquaden Guilford

Penn State may have just picked up a massive 2025 commitment a few minutes ago, but James Franklin and his staff aren’t wasting any time when it comes to building up next year’s class. In addition to Andrew Olesh, the Nittany Lions picked up commitment No. 8 for the Class of 2026 Friday afternoon, adding wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford from Fort Wayne, Ind.

“I believe Coach Franklin is an outstanding coach who has brought consistency and stability to the program,” Guilford told On3’s Steve Wilfong.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Guilford picked up offers from Miami and Louisville early in 2024, but he saw his recruitment really take off this summer after picking up an offer from Ohio State following a camp. Pitt and Tennessee followed within a week, while Penn State was then able to get him up for its Whiteout Camp and Lasch Bash Barbecue at the end of July.

Guilford didn’t disappoint, running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash while also testing well in other key metrics. Penn State offered by the time he left campus, and the Nittany Lion coaches and recruiting staff have made a priority target ever since. Overall, 16 schools extended offers. Other notable programs include Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan State, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

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“We had great conversations,” Guilford told BWI earlier this week when asked about his relationship with Penn State’s staff. “The whole coaching staff is down to earth and consistent as well as confident in what they can and will do. Their personalities and resumes show by the ways they carry themselves and treat their players.”

Guilford was limited in where all he could visit this fall, but he did go to Ohio State in October for its win over Iowa. He then came back to State College last weekend to watch the win over Maryland. That was his first experience inside Beaver Stadium.

“The visit was amazing,” Guilford said. “They treated me as if I was family. One of their big focuses is relationships, and I’m a family guy. They are a top-10 school each year and also they’re very competitive and productive. The whole coaching staff welcomed me and my family and that’s what it’s about: maintaining those key relationships.”

Guilford, who plays at Northrop High School, is now the third wide receiver to commit to Penn State’s 2026 class. He joins Delaware native Jahsiear Rogers and Maryland native Lavar Keys. On3 currently rates him as a three-star prospect. On3’s Industry Rankings also have him as a three-star, placing him at No. 419 nationally, No. 63 at the wide receiver position and No. 2 overall in Indiana.

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.