Maryland football bolstered its top-30 recruiting class on Saturday by securing a commitment from four-star offensive lineman Jaylen Gilchrist, who announced his decision live on 247Sports. He is the highest-ranked recruit for the Terps since linebacker Jaishawn Barham in 2022, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Gilchrist, who stands nearly 6-foot-5 and weighs 295 pounds, hails from Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Va. He is ranked as the No. 5 interior offensive lineman and the No. 96 player in his class by the 247Sports Composite.
Gilchrist is Maryland’s fifth four-star recruit in the 2025 class, joining quarterback Malik Washington, running back Iverson Howard, athlete Zymear Smith, and defensive lineman Bryce Jenkins.
Gilchrist’s choice came down to Maryland, Georgia, and South Carolina before he decided on the Terps. He also had offers from Alabama, Penn State, and Florida.
“My dad always told me, ‘Never be a follower,’” Gilchrist said. “So why not take my talents to Maryland and do something different? You don’t see many four-stars choosing Maryland. … It’s close to home.”
With Gilchrist’s commitment, Maryland’s 2025 recruiting class now includes 21 players, with Gilchrist being the fourth offensive lineman. The class, previously ranked No. 30 nationally, has risen to No. 26.
