James Franklin wasted no time securing the future of Penn State football, locking in 27 recruits from the 2025 class during December’s early signing period. With their sights set on the College Football Playoffs, the Nittany Lions ensured 14 of those recruits hit the ground running by enrolling in January—some even playing a role in their postseason push. Among the newest additions are top Pennsylvania prospect TE Andrew Olesh, lockdown CB Daryus Dixson, powerhouse OL Malachi Goodman, and LaVar Arrington Jr., a name steeped in Penn State tradition. Their efforts have earned them a class ranked 5th in the B1G. Add to the fact that they managed to retain key senior players and added WR Devante Ross from Troy Trojans, it looks like Franklin is keen to build on last season’s success. But that’s not all.

James Franklin isn’t just building his team for 2025. The man is thinking long-term. Thus, he has also grabbed some very good prospects for the 2026 season. In comes Kevin Brown, a 4th-ranked interior offensive lineman nationally committed to Penn State. Then Messiah Mickens ranked 13th nationally in the running back position and a 4-star solid quarterback in Troy Huhn are also signed with the program and their 2026 class looks solid already. However, the program suffered a blow last Friday.

James Franklin has lost the commitment of a quite crucial wide receiver prospect in Jerquaden Guilford. Guilford is currently a three-star prospect of the 2026 class and has a solid frame of 6 feet 2 and 180 lbs, thus making him one of those wide receivers who can also physically impose themselves on the defense. He continues to receive offers from programs around the country, including those in the Big Ten and such announced his decision to move away from his commitment to Penn State

The player shared his decommitment news on X and wrote: “After intense discussions with my family, I have decided to decommit from Penn State and reopen my recruitment. This was not an easy decision, and I have so much respect and love for Coach Franklin, Coach Hagans, and the entire Penn State staff for accepting me and believing in me.

I want to take the time to thoroughly evaluate my options and ensure that the school I choose aligns with the values my family and I hold. With the new landscape of college recruiting, I want to make a decision that is as close to perfect as possible for my future. Thank you to Penn State for everything, and I appreciate all the coaches and supporters who continue to guide me on this journey.”

Guilford had been committed to the Nittany Lions since December 6, when he picked James Franklin’s program over 20 other reported offers. Prior to committing to Penn State, he had drawn interest from Indiana, Miami, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. But right now, he keeps his options open and wants to see what is out there. Considering how revenue sharing quotas and NIL deals are something that plays a big role in these decisions now, it is possible that it is also a reason behind Guilford’s decommittment. On3’s Sean Fitz detailed how this is a blow to Franklin’s 2026 class.

Speaking on the ‘Penn State Football on Blue White’ podcast, he provided the potential implications. “I think Penn State will still be in the one sting factor, decently high. This is a really good receiver, a really good potential receiver. I think he’s probably a guy—maybe not a freshman impact-type guy, but he’s got all the tools. He’s got the size; he’s one of those physically tough receivers that we’ve talked about that has eluded Penn State for some time now.” And Sean is right in many ways.

For the last couple of seasons, the wide receiver position has been one area where Penn State has lagged compared to other programs. Against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, their wide receivers didn’t record a single catch in the defeat with their passing production coming from tight end and running back, a story of their season.

Moreover, they have already lost four receivers in Trey Wallace, Omari Evans, Mehki Flowers, and Tyler Johnson ahead of the new season. The loss of tight-end Tyler Warren to the NFL draft also hurt them. This is the player who led the receiving charts for Penn State in 2024.

Meanwhile, with Guilford’s departure, Penn State is now left with eight commitments in the Class of 2026. They still have commitments from two other wide receivers in the Class.

Jahsiear Rogers, a four-star recruit from Delaware, and Lavar Keys, a three-star player from Maryland, remain with Franklin’s program for the time being. Still, the decommitment of Guilford will hurt. But what about other prospects?

Drew Allar finding it hard for the 2025 season?

In terms of their 2025 roster, they have mostly inexperienced players who haven’t seen many snaps. These players include returning players like Anthony Ivery, Luke Reynolds, and Tyseer Denmark. Surely, Penn State and James Franklin have a lot to do in his receiver department. Moving on, it seems the head coach has another problem in the QB room.

Drew Allar, who is returning for the 2025 season, left the NFL sidelines for some time. He has struggled to find consistency in the season. Maybe because James Franklin ran a running game and also because of some of his own faults in decision-making. RJ Young of Fox Sports highlighted similar issues that may plague the QB.

“I have not seen Drew Allar do it, and it’s going to be even more difficult unless they can use the spring transfer portal to get that man some wide receivers.” That essentially tells you the concern at the wide receiver room at Penn State, which can make or break the QB’s season. Furthermore, the player himself has a long road ahead to prove his worth and make a name for the NFL draft in 2026. Can he do it?