Even though he was a two-time all-state pick, Jake Heimlicher was an unranked recruit coming out of Aurora (Colorado) Jesuit in the 2018 recruiting class. He signed with Penn out of high school and became an All-Ivy League selection over his final two seasons. In 2021, he started and appeared in all 10 games on the defensive line. He finished the 2021 season with 51 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. Then in 2022, he racked up 51 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He led the Ivy League in sacks in 2022. Following the 2022 season, Heimlicher entered the Transfer Portal.