Ohio State Trending to Land Touted Playmaker as SEC Foes Push

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 3:42 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes appear to be closing in on a 2026 wide receiver despite a strong push from SEC schools.

On3's Steve Wiltfong wrote Sunday, June 22 that the Buckeyes are "going to be hard to beat" in the recruitment of three-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford.

The wideout was in Columbus, Ohio. Guilford shared with Wiltfong that the visit to Ohio State turned out positive because of what he was able to learn about the program.

“I was able to get a more in-depth understanding of the culture," Guilford told Wiltfong. "I wanted to see what made them what they are. The opportunity to play for Ohio State is not one to take lightly."

"It’s a proven program not just at the receiver position but across the board. It’s a competitive environment that forces individuals to be their best."

The receiver emphasized multiple times how much he enjoyed the time at Ohio State.

“It was a really good visit," said Guilford.

Rivals reported the receiver will make his final college decision Friday. Wiltfong wrote the Indiana Hoosiers, Ole Miss Rebels and Tennessee Volunteers are "in play."

Based on other recruiting websites and predictions, the Penn State Nittany Lions and Michigan Wolverines are also potential landing spots for Guilford.

2026 WR Jerquaden Guilford has a big decision coming up Friday as he picks from a group that includes Ohio State, Michigan, Ole Miss and Indiana.

But first he’s in Indianapolis for the @RivalsCamp Five-Star this week. pic.twitter.com/FsrFaSJkb5
— Rivals (@Rivals) June 23, 2025

Based on the 247Sports Composite rankings, Guilford is the top 2026 recruit in Indiana. He is also rated the No. 68 receiver and No. 440 overall recruit in the class.

The Buckeyes already have four receivers committed in the 2026 recruiting class. Three of those wideouts – Chris Henry Jr., Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Jaeden Ricketts – are four-star recruits.

The other is three-star receiver Brock Boyd.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: