BREAKING: Top available in-state target picks Penn State over Ohio State, Michigan

June has quickly turned into a difficult month for Penn State football on the recruiting trail. Despite the struggles, the Nittany Lions will end the final week of the month on a high note, picking up a Friday commitment from Malvern Prep (PA) edge rusher Jackson Ford.

Ford announced his decision via Hayes Fawcett. The 6-4, 240-pound defender had an all-Big Ten final four, choosing the Nittany Lions over Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.

BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Jackson Ford has Committed to Penn State, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 240 EDGE from Phoenixville, PA chose the Nittany Lions over Ohio State, Michigan, & Wisconsin

“We Are!”https://t.co/oJOexTUKr7 pic.twitter.com/hAM7pwrw7F

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 27, 2025

A four-star, Ford is the No. 22 edge and the No. 202 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle per 247Sports. He was the highest-rated uncommitted recruit in Pennsylvania for the class, ranking No. 5 in the state. With Ford’s decision, Penn State now holds commitments from four of the commonwealth’s top 10 prospects in the cycle, including three of the top five. However, in-state recruiting woes have plagued the Nittany Lions in recent days, missing out on five-star safety Joey O’Brien to Notre Dame and losing a commitment from top quarterback Peyton Falzone to Auburn.

Ford is the Nittany Lions’ third commitment of the month and the program’s lone edge prospect in the class after Daniel Jennings’ decision to enroll this summer.

Penn State came into the day with the No. 9 class in 247Sports’ national rankings. The Blue and White still await a decision from four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon on Friday.

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