Penn State battling trio of Big Ten foes for in-state blue chip EDGE

Penn State football will look to get off the mat from a difficult recruiting stretch with a key in-state defensive prospect this weekend.

On Tuesday, Malvern Prep (PA) four-star Jackson Ford announced that he will make his commitment this coming Friday. Ford has a Big Ten-friendly final four, with Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and the Nittany Lions vying for his talents.

Grateful for every school that believed in me and took the time to recruit me. After a lot of thought and prayer. I am down to four school and will be committing on Friday (6/27). @adamgorney @BrianDohn247@RyanSnyderOn3 @ChadSimmons_ @BrianDohn247 @CoachGueriera @MalvernPrepFB pic.twitter.com/4eDro28K6m

— Jackson Samuels Ford (@Jackson_S_Ford) June 24, 2025

The southeast Pennsylvania prospect made his way to Happy Valley for his official visit at the start of June. The visit was his fifth with James Franklin, Jim Knowles, and the Nittany Lions staff during his recruitment. However, the Buckeyes and Wolverines were able to get the last word, hosting the four-star over the last two weekends.

With a commitment, Ford would become Penn State’s sole edge prospect in the 2026 class following Daniel Jennings’ decision to reclassify and join the Nittany Lions a year early.

Ford is the No. 15 athlete and No. 202 recruit in the 2026 cycle, according to 247Sports. He is the fifth-ranked prospect in the Keystone State. The Nittany Lions hold commitments from five of Pennsylvania’s top 10 players in 2026, with the notable exception of five-star safety Joey O’Brien.

Penn State has the No. 8 class nationally per 247Sports.

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