Penn State and James Franklin are planning big for the 2025 season. After a disheartening defeat at the hands of Notre Dame in the playoff semifinal. It seems Penn State is turning no stone to build a winning roster. The additions? Jim Knowles came from Ryan Day’s camp, then Devante Ross from Troy Trojans, and a class of 2025 that is ranked 4th in the B1G. The twist?
Well, none till now, except 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. The class is quite solid. But, despite all these heroics in his recruitment, he has again suffered a tough blow.
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. This makes him one of those wide receivers who can also physically impose themselves on the defense. The player shared his decommitment news and wrote:
— Jerquaden“G2”Guilford (@QuayGuilford) February 28, 2025
“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”. Surely, no one could blame him for keeping his options open till the last. Also, considering that revenue sharing quotas and NIL deals are something that has made the colleges more lucrative to make some money. But how hard is this for Penn State?
Sean Fitz of ON3, speaking on the ‘Penn State Football on Blue White’ podcast, 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.
The problems in the receiver room at Penn State are glaring in the 2025 season. They have lost four receivers in Trey Wallace, Omari Evans, Mehki Flowers, and Tyler Johnson. However, the loss of tight end Tyler Warren to the NFL draft will hurt them the most. This is the player who led the receiving charts for Penn State in 2024, and this is the reason the decommitment of Guilford will hurt. But what about other prospects?
Drew Allar finding it hard for the 2025 season?
Well, in their 2026 class, they currently have 2 commits in the receiver room. Those players being 3-star Jahsiear Rogers and another 3-star Lavar Keys. 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?
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