In a stunning victory on the recruiting trail, the University of Maryland has secured the commitment of Jaylen Gilchrest, a four-star offensive lineman in the class of 2025. He is ranked fifth nationally as an O-lineman and fourth overall in Virginia, per 247sports.com
Gilchrist plays football at Salem High School in Virginia Beach. Gilchrist led the Spartans to a 13-2 record during the 2023 fall football season. The now senior lineman hopes to capitalize off a stellar junior season and win a 4A state championship.
Landing the signature marks a historic moment for the Terrapins. Gilchrist becomes the highest-rated offensive lineman to commit to the Maryland program. He is also Maryland’s highest recruit commitment since four-star linebacker Jaishawn Barham in 2022.
Maryland’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Locksley, pulled off a major coup by out-recruiting SEC powerhouses such as Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia for Gilchrist’s signature. Maryland now ranks 26th nationally for the 2025 recruiting class.
The Terps’ class includes fellow four-stars, athlete Messiah Delhomme out of Newport News, Virginia and quarterback Malik Washington from Spalding in Severn, Maryland. Three-star prospects Zymear Smith (Ridgely, Maryland) and Quince Orchard star running back Iverson Howard.
Maryland is on the upward trend in recruiting as Locksley tries to compete with the newly expanded Big Ten Conference.
