Jerquaden Guilford Shuts Down Flip Talk, Reaffirms Commitment to Ohio State Ahead of Early Signing Day
As Early Signing Day approaches, Ohio State is once again in the thick of the recruiting frenzy-and this year’s class is shaping up to be another strong one. Ranked fifth nationally for the 2026 cycle, the Buckeyes have built a deep, talented group of commits. But as is tradition in the wild world of college football recruiting, no class is immune to the last-minute chaos-especially when coaching changes start shaking up the landscape.
One of the biggest storylines heading into Wednesday was whether Ohio State could hold onto all its top recruits amid a flurry of late pushes from rival programs. Among the most aggressive?
New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, who wasted no time making waves after his recent hire. Kiffin reportedly went straight to work trying to flip four-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford, a key piece of Ohio State’s incoming class.
But Guilford wasn’t having it.
The dynamic receiver took to social media on Monday to make his intentions crystal clear. In a brief but pointed message, Guilford reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State, posting a graphic with the Buckeyes’ iconic block “O” and the caption “🅾️-H,” sending a loud and clear signal to fans and recruiters alike: he’s staying in Columbus.
That’s a big win for Ryan Day and his staff-not just in terms of talent retention, but as a statement of stability at a time when other programs are scrambling. Guilford is expected to be a major contributor in the Buckeyes’ future receiver room, and his decision to stay put reinforces Ohio State’s reputation as a wide receiver factory.
And that reputation is well-earned.
Ohio State has become the destination for elite wideouts looking to make the leap to the NFL. From Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have built a pipeline to the pros that few programs can match. And if Carnell Tate declares for the 2026 NFL Draft as expected, Ohio State would become the first program in history to produce five consecutive first-round picks at the receiver position.
That’s not just a recruiting pitch-it’s a proven path.
Of course, there’s still work to be done this season. Tate remains a key part of Ohio State’s push through the Big Ten Championship and into the College Football Playoff. His continued production could not only boost his draft stock but also help solidify the Buckeyes’ case for another national title run.
As for Guilford, his commitment is more than just a name on a list-it’s a sign that Ohio State continues to win the battles that matter most. With Early Signing Day looming, the Buckeyes will look to lock in the rest of their class, navigate any potential flips, and keep building a roster that’s built to compete at the highest level.
For now, one thing’s certain: Jerquaden Guilford is all in.