Penn State beats out Ohio State, others to land third WR of 2026 cycle

Penn State football is set to battle Oregon for the Big Ten Championship inside Lucas Oil Stadium in primetime on Saturday, but James Franklin and the Nittany Lions have already kicked off the weekend with a major win in the Hoosier State. On Friday, Penn State earned its eighth commitment of the 2026 cycle from Indiana’s top wide receiver prospect, Jerquaden Guilford.

Guilford had been predicted to land with the Nittany Lions since last weekend. The Fort Wayne-area prospect announced his decision just after Penn State touched down in Indianapolis on Friday afternoon.

100% committed 🦁!!! pic.twitter.com/92Z1LooWvx

— Jerquaden“G2”Guilford (@QuayGuilford) December 6, 2024

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

After first visiting for July’s Lasch Bash, Guilford returned to Happy Valley last weekend to watch the Nittany Lions’ 44-7 win over Maryland. He also traveled to Ohio State for the second time in October and has been to South Bend twice to visit Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame.

A three-star, Jerquaden Guilford is the No. 63 receiver and the No. 2 prospect out of Indiana in On3’s Industry Rankings for the 2026 recruiting cycle. He has 930 yards and seven touchdowns on 61 receptions over the last two seasons.

“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.”

Guilford becomes the third wide receiver in the class for the Nittany Lions, joining Jahsiear Rogers and Lavar Keys. Following the commitment, Penn State football has the No. 5 class in the 2026 cycle, according to On3. The Nittany Lions sit at third nationally in 247Sports’ class rankings. 

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