Jerquaden Guilford, the top-ranked prospect in Indiana and one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the 2026 recruiting class, made waves back in July when he committed to Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes. That decision came after weighing offers from several high-profile programs, including Michigan, Indiana, and Ole Miss. But as we inch closer to the Early Signing Period, the recruiting landscape around Guilford is heating up once again - and LSU is making a late push that’s worth paying attention to.
This sudden shift comes on the heels of a major coaching move: Lane Kiffin, formerly of Ole Miss, accepted the head coaching job at LSU over the weekend. And he didn’t come alone. Kiffin brought wide receivers coach George McDonald with him to Baton Rouge, a move that could have ripple effects across the recruiting trail - especially when it comes to Guilford.
LSU officially extended an offer to Guilford on Monday, signaling their intent to make a last-minute run at flipping the four-star wideout. It’s a bold move, but not one without some logic behind it. McDonald had already built a relationship with Guilford during his time at Ole Miss, and now with both McDonald and Kiffin in purple and gold, LSU is hoping that familiarity - paired with the program’s fresh momentum - can make a difference.
Guilford has remained solid in his commitment to Ohio State throughout the fall, but LSU’s late-game Hail Mary is a storyline to watch as signing day approaches. The Tigers are clearly not backing down, and Guilford’s name has quickly become one of the hottest on their 2026 recruiting board.
There’s good reason for that. At 6'2" to 6'3", 190 pounds, and running a verified low 4.5 in the 40, Guilford is the kind of athlete who turns heads on first glance - and keeps them watching once the ball is snapped.
LSU offers Rivals300 WR Jerquaden Guilford an Ohio State commit who nearly gave Lane Kiffin a verbal at Ole Miss. https://t.co/LckIaFZlQz https://t.co/T8Hj9esfMr
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) December 1, 2025
His stride length allows him to eat up space in a hurry, and his physicality makes him a tough assignment for any defensive back. He’s not just a finesse route-runner - he embraces contact, blocks with intent, and plays with an edge that coaches love.
But what separates Guilford from other talented receivers isn’t just the measurables - it’s the mindset. According to his trainer, Dre Muhammad of Traction Athletic Performance, Guilford is already adopting a professional approach to his development.
He studies the game, learns from those ahead of him, and brings a competitive fire that rises with the stakes. Muhammad even compared Guilford's work ethic and polish to current Buckeye receiver Mylan Graham - high praise, considering Graham’s reputation as one of the most refined pass-catchers in recent classes.
Guilford has consistently proven himself against top-tier competition, excelling in 7-on-7 play and throughout the summer camp circuit. His ability to raise his level in those high-pressure environments is part of what makes him such a coveted prospect. He’s not just winning matchups - he’s dominating them.
As the Early Signing Period opens on Wednesday, Guilford’s recruitment just got a lot more interesting. Ohio State remains in the driver’s seat, but LSU’s late surge - powered by familiar faces and a renewed pitch - adds a layer of drama to an already compelling recruitment. Whether Guilford sticks with the Buckeyes or entertains the Tigers’ late offer, one thing is clear: he’s a game-changer, and programs are lining up for a shot at landing him.