Eric Boggs
Ohio State has once again shown why it’s widely known as Wide Receiver U, securing a fifth and likely final receiver commitment for its 2026 class with the addition of Jerquaden Guilford. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound standout from Northrop High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had been on Brian Hartline’s radar since impressing at a June camp in Columbus, where he showcased the smooth route running and hands that define Buckeye-caliber receivers. After initially committing to Penn State last December, Guilford reopened his recruitment in February, and Hartline, who never slowed his pursuit, positioned Ohio State as the frontrunner. Though Ole Miss made a late push in June, Guilford ultimately chose to join the Buckeyes and become part of a deep and talented receiver group.
With Guilford now on board, Ohio State’s 2026 wide receiver class includes five commitments: Chris Henry Jr., Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Brock Boyd, Jaeden Ricketts, and now Guilford. Despite already having four pass catchers locked in, Hartline clearly saw something special in the Indiana native, whose stock has continued to rise. Recently elevated to four-star status by the 247Sports Composite, Guilford is now ranked as the No. 50 wide receiver and the No. 315 overall prospect in the country. His commitment signals not only Ohio State’s dominance in wide receiver recruiting but also its willingness to go above and beyond for players they believe are underappreciated by the national services. Guilford’s confidence reflects the standard in Columbus—he spoke of his desire to become a first-round pick and eventually earn a gold jacket, stating after his commitment, “They say it’s Wide Receiver U for a reason. Stats don’t lie.”
Guilford is the top-rated prospect in Indiana’s 2026 class and will become the second Fort Wayne-area receiver on Ohio State’s roster, joining New Haven native and current Buckeye Mylan Graham. Both receivers train under respected Fort Wayne coach Dre Muhammad, whose résumé includes former Buckeye Austin Mack. In 2023, Guilford caught 35 passes for 556 yards and three touchdowns, building on a solid sophomore season that saw him haul in 26 receptions for 374 yards and four scores. Now, with 21 total commits in the class, Ohio State continues to build one of the strongest 2026 recruiting groups in the country—and with Hartline at the helm, the wide receiver room remains in elite hands.
