Class of 2026 four-star defensive end Jackson Ford has committed to Penn State football, he announced on Friday.

The Malvern, Pennsylvania, native is ranked as the No. 8 player in Pennsylvania, No. 31 defensive end in the nation, and No. 306 national recruit, per the 247 Composite rankings. The 6’4″ and 240-pound edge rusher joins Elijah Littlejohn as Penn State commits at the position in the 2026 recruiting class.

Ford played two seasons of high school ball at Phoenixville High School before transferring to Malvern Prep ahead of his 2024-25 junior campaign. He also shined as a tight end at Phoenixville, reeling in 12 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns in his 2023-24 sophomore season, per his MaxPreps profile. He recorded 18 total tackles and two sacks in the same year.

Ford chose Penn State over the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Folks can check out the newest Nittany Lion’s Hudl highlights here.

About the Author

Oscar Orellana

Oscar is a third-year broadcast journalism student from Los Angeles. He's probably at the movies. He mostly writes about Penn State football. Email him at oscar@onwardstate.com.

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