Ohio State freshman receiver Jerquaden Guilford finally shed his black stripe on Wednesday. While proving himself as a Buckeye in Ryan Day and Co.'s eyes is a big deal, it's just the beginning. The real work starts now. OSU has a loaded receiving corps with two freshmen who are trending in a more promising direction, not to mention a slew of transfers who could bury him on the depth chart.
Guilford is at risk of falling behind fellow freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd. Both are excelling in fall camp thus far, carving out distinct roles in the offense behind Jeremiah Smith in the pecking order. Guilford's name has not come up much when discussing the Buckeyes' future plans yet.
If it doesn't soon, Guilford could get lost in the shuffle of elite receiving talent at the modern-day "WRU."
Jerquaden Guilford can't be odd man out among Brian Hartline freshmen
Guilford, Boyd, and Henry were some of the last of the Brian Hartline-recruited commits. Jamier Brown, a 2027 commit who transferred to the Columbus area for his senior year to be closer to Ohio State but has since transferred back to the Dayton area, is on track to be the last recruit for the Buckeyes who was brought on by Hartline. Whether Brown makes it to the Scarlet and Gray is unclear. Hartline and USF could be calling his name.
That same sentiment will spread for Guilford if he is a non-factor this fall. Cortez Hankton hasn't made much of an impact yet on the 2027 class, but it'll happen at some point. There will be more competition walking through the door at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, even with the likely departure of Smith and the less-certain departure of Brandon Inniss to the NFL. Leaving a loaded situation for a lesser program with more opportunity could be enticing.
Guilford gaining ground in the rest of the room could quiet any thoughts of a transfer. The Hartline connection will always be strong, though. That will always be something to monitor.
Kyle Parker and Devin McCuin could make things harder for Guilford
LSU transfer Kyle Parker and UTSA transfer Devin McCuin could build a new pipeline in the receiver room to OSU. Day has never been big on the idea of transfer receivers, preferring to mold his room into the Buckeye offense from the jump.
Parker and McCuin have stood out this offseason, though. There's no reason to think the veterans won't be able to translate that chemistry with Julian Sayin to the field when the reps count. If they work out, Day will be open to finding more guys like them in future years out of the portal. Guilford is battling the two transfers now, but also battling against the concept of transfers in future years.
With so many battles to go, Guilford did well in losing his black stripe, but there is even more urgency now to make it work. Perhaps being the last of the Hartline guys to lose it will light a fire under him. We're just over a week from knowing for sure.
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