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Key Penn State target and four-star DE Jackson Ford announces commitment date

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•06/24/25•

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Malvern Prep DE Jackson Ford. (Credit: Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State fans won’t have to wait much longer to learn where coveted four-star defensive end Jackson Ford will play his college ball. On Tuesday afternoon, the Malvern Prep prospect announced that he plans to make his commitment this upcoming Friday, June 27. He’s now the second key recruit who will announce on Friday, joining defensive tackle Damari Simeon.

Listed at just under 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Ford has long been considered one of Penn State’s most important edge rushers in the class. His importance has only grown in recent days after the Nittany Lions lost out on New Jersey’s number one prospect, Luke Wafle, following his commitment to USC.

But even if they did land Wafle, Ford has always been a top priority for head coach James Franklin and position coach Deion Barnes. After earning more than two dozen scholarship offers, his decision has come down to Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

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When asked about his official visit to Penn State, which took place June 6-8, Ford said, “The first thing is what they can provide for me and my development. Another one is that the future of the program is very, very bright, with a lot of upside with the current players and also the players coming in. The community stands out, too. From everyone who is currently at Penn State to the alumni who still contribute to the success of the program and the people in it.”

Ford is a consensus four-star prospect at all four recruiting services. On3 has him firmly inside the On300 at No. 253 nationally and seventh overall in Pennsylvania. On3’s Industry Rankings, which is used to determine the team rankings, has him even higher nationally at No. 216 overall.

Last July, Ford earned an offer from the staff after attending the Whiteout Camp and Lasch Bash Barbecue. He admitted then that he grew up a Penn State fan.

“My whole life, I have always been a huge Penn State fan, so I’m always watching their games regardless of the sport,” Ford said. “My family didn’t go to PSU, but both my parents did go to UPenn, so I’ve been to plenty of PSU games and UPenn games.”

Throughout his recruitment, Ford has taken five visits to Penn State, which is the most of any school. Last season, he attended the game against UCLA in October before returning in November of the White Out game against Washington. Ford also visited Penn State this past April to watch spring practice.


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