Four-star DE Jackson Ford sticks with Penn State despite ongoing coaching search

Four-star defensive end Jackson Ford confirmed Wednesday that he’ll be sticking with Penn State and signing with the Nittany Lions. Penn State hasn’t officially announced Ford yet, but that’s expected to come very soon. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound edge rusher took an official visit to Virginia Tech this past weekend but ultimately decided in the end to stick with the blue and white.

A native of Phoenixville, Pa., Ford committed to the Nittany Lions back in June following official visits to Penn State, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford and Wisconsin. After James Franklin was fired, Ford was the only recruit who didn’t take a single visit until the final weekend.

“I have a lot of faith in the program as a whole and everybody in it,” Ford said back on Nov. 19. “One season doesn’t really define a program. Up to this moment, there’s been a lot of success. They’ve played in some really big games. But even besides that, it’s about development for me. I feel like most people want to go to the next level because they want to go to the NFL. They choose a school because of what it can do for them and their future.

“Coach Franklin always said this is a 40-year decision, not a four-year decision, and so that’s why, even now, I’m still committed to Penn State fully.”

Link: What should Penn State fans expect during National Signing Day?

During his senior season, Ford totaled 31 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. He’s also the older teammate of two players Penn State’s next staff will likely recruit: 2027 wide receiver Cade Cooper and 2028 defensive end George Parkinson. Both players hold four-star ratings by Rivals.

“Jackson is always chasing plays down,” said Malvern Prep head coach Dave Gueriera. “He almost runs as much as our receivers because he makes so many plays coming down the line of scrimmage. His motor is relentless. I think as he’s able to add more strength, especially in a college program like Penn State, that’s exciting. The potential is incredible. He’s also done a great job learning all the nuances of the position, like staying home. We get a ton of run-read stuff, and he’s done a really good job of learning how to read those plays.”

According to the Industry Rankings, Ford is ranked No. 222 nationally, No. 25 at defensive end and No. 8 overall in Pennsylvania. Rivals has him slightly higher than that, ranking him No. 209 nationally and fifth overall in the Keystone State for the 2026 class.