Jerqauden Guilford Says Ohio State is “Wide Receiver U For A Reason” As He Takes Extra Look at Buckeyes 10 Days Before Commitment
In the final stretch of his recruitment, four-star wide receiver Jerqauden “Quay” Guilford is drawing eyeballs from coast to coast—but Ohio State has stepped to the front of the line. With his official commitment date looming in just 10 days, Guilford is taking one more in-depth look at the Buckeyes, reinforcing what he already believes: “Ohio State is ‘Wide Receiver U’ for a reason.” At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds from Fort Wayne (Ind.) Northrop High School, Guilford has compiled 61 catches for 930 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons, showcasing crisp route running, contested-catch ability, and return skills .
He initially committed to Penn State in December, citing strong relationships with the Nittany Lions staff and a family atmosphere . But after weighing his options—drawing offers from Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Wisconsin, Miami, Pitt, Illinois, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, and Ohio State—he pulled his pledge in late February to fully reopen his recruitment . He told Penn State fans he needed to align his values and future goals—and now, after evaluating all programs, OSU stands out.
Guilford first visited Columbus June 5, 2024, during Ohio State’s high‑school camp. He caught the attention of coaches—especially Brian Hartline—with crisp route work, speed, and deep-ball ability . After the camp, he received an offer and posted his gratitude on social media: “Extremely grateful … to receive an offer from The Ohio State University. All glory to God.” . His tape impressed: winning one‑on‑one battles, strong ball tracking, and a smooth, athletic stride that painted the full picture of a SEC‑style playmaker transitioning to the Big Ten game.
OSU recruiters have since stayed in close contact, hosting Guilford at games and offering multiple visits. He made multiple unofficial trips—including a game-watching trip to Iowa, and Penn State’s Lasch Bash as well—but his most recent, deeper evaluation is just days away. He told On3 that Ohio State “treated me as if I was family,” highlighting the program’s emphasis on relationship-building and genuine connection . That message has resonated; Guilford’s decision-making centers on “family” and culture as much as football.
The “Wide Receiver U” label isn’t just a phrase—it’s a claim grounded in results. Under Brian Hartline’s watch, Ohio State has produced Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and other top-tier NFL receivers—all showing that elite NFL-caliber talent develops under this coaching staff . Hartline has emphasized development over recruiting rankings, famously identifying prospects lower graded by recruiting services and elevating them to first-round draft picks . That upward mobility—three straight first‑round WRs—is rare, and particularly attractive to a young receiver who values both coaching and exposure.
Guilford’s recruitment has naturally been dynamic. When he decommitted, schools like Pitt moved in—as did Michigan, Tennessee, and Indiana—each making the case . He also attracted Vanderbilt’s attention in March, earning an offer from Clark Lea’s staff . That he reopened his decision suggests he’s seeking both fit and legacy over early commitment. It’s more than football—it’s environment and opportunity.
Ohio State brings high-level competition which, according to Guilford, sets them apart: “Wide Receiver U for a reason.” That claim is backed by their history and staff. Having two or three first‑round receivers in the last draft cycles tells a bold story—OSU is winning the developmental and exposure battle . Guilford knows that trajectory—and it aligns with his aspirations. Coaches have offered film sessions, walk-throughs, and scheme previews tailored to his skillset. That personal attention builds trust—and it’s clearly resonating.
On the field, Guilford fits the mold. His junior-season stats—35 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns in nine games—are solid, but his camp performances may have mattered more. He tested well: timed around 4.50–4.51s in 40-yard dash at camps, with elite ball skills and contested catch instincts . His route release off the line stood out—clean, quick, and confident against press. Camp observers noted his smoothness in tracking deep balls and winning contested throws .
Ohio State’s current receiver room is strong but competitive. Guards like five-star Jamier Brown (2027), fourth-round Quincy Porter (class of 2025), and sophomores like Jeremiah Smith fill it. Smith—a freshman All-American and national champion MVP—is already rewriting OSU’s record books . That competition is part of the draw: rising next to proven talent, in a program where the receiver room lifts each player higher.
Ten days before he’s set to announce, Guilford is completing an extra official visit with Ohio State—immersing himself again in their culture, academic support, route-tree scheme, and NIL environment. Coaches are walking him through offseason support structures—regeneration, mental health, academic tutoring, weight training, and NIL partnerships—all to ensure his long-term well‑being beyond the field.
Ohio State watchers expect his choice will lean toward Columbus. The Buckeyes check every box: strong family culture, elite developmental reputation, high NFL pipeline, campus environment, and exposure. If landing Guilford, Ohio State would shore up its 2026 class a wideout with tactical polish, growth upside, and blue‑chip skill. For Guilford, choosing OSU means stepping into a chain of successful receivers and accessing high-level coaching—and that “Wide Receiver U” brand.
As euphoria builds, social media buzz is also starting. Buckeye fans are adding him to class projections, and NIL collectives are circling. Recruiting insiders expect the Buckeyes to close strong in the WR department—potentially adding two or three more. Guilford’s arrival could be the keystone to a feature-loaded receiving class that balances size, speed, and character.
In ten days, the recruiting world will know if Guilford joins the Buckeye legacy. For now, the narrative builds. A well‑rounded receiver from Indiana, valued in open evaluation over early committal; a player drawn to both the team culture and the developmental pedigree; a prospect confident in OSU’s ability to help him become the next great Buckeye receiver.
Ten days from decision day, Ohio State is rolling the red carpet—and Guilford is taking his final long look. If “Ohio State is Wide Receiver U,” this recruitment could reinforce it once again. And for a young talent chasing both legacy and next-level growth, that label may speak louder than any stat sheet.
