Maryland football added to its top-30 recruiting class Saturday, landing class of 2025 four-star offensive lineman Jaylen Gilchrist, he announced live on 247Sports. He is the Terps’ highest-ranked recruit since linebacker Jaishawn Barham in 2022, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Gilchrist is Maryland’s fifth four-star prospect in its 2025 recruiting class, joining quarterback Malik Washington, running back Iverson Howard, athlete Zymear Smith and defensive lineman Bryce Jenkins.
Listed at nearly 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, he attends Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Va., and is the No. 5-ranked interior offensive lineman and No. 96-ranked player in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Gilchrist’s decision came down to Maryland, Georgia and South Carolina before he ultimately chose the Terps. He also received offers from Alabama, Penn State and Florida.
“My pops, he told me ever since I’ve been young, ‘Never be a [follower],” Gilchrist said. “So, why not take my talents to Maryland. Do something that not everybody else is doing. You don’t hear too many four-stars going to Maryland. … Why not do it close to home.”
Following Gilchrist’s addition, the Terps’ 2025 recruiting class includes 21 players, with Gilchrist being the fourth offensive lineman. The class, which was ranked No. 30 nationally heading into Saturday, is now ranked No. 26 in the country.
