Jackson Ford down to 4 Big Ten schools, ready to commit

Malvern Prep (Pennsylvania) four-star edge-rusher Jackson Ford has set a Friday commitment date and will announce his decision on social media at noon ET. 

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound athlete is rated the nation's No. 202 overall prospect, No. 22 edge-rusher and No. 5 player in the state of Pennsylvania.

Ford, who will graduate in December and enroll early, is down to a Big Ten-only final four of the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions and Wisconsin Badgers.

Friday (6/27) @12pm!!!@MalvernPrepFB @CoachGueriera @BrianDohn247 @adamgorney @RyanSnyderOn3 @ChadSimmons_ @RivalsFriedman pic.twitter.com/DXiPRWQWgy

— Jackson Samuels Ford (@Jackson_S_Ford) June 25, 2025

On Wednesday, the coveted defender joined The Sporting News to break down each of his four finalists. 

Michigan Wolverines: “Michigan is a great school. They have the academics, the football and the history, especially at my position. What coach (Lou) Esposito was able to do this year and the year prior, it speaks to the type of coach he is and the type of coaches that are at Michigan.”

Ohio State Buckeyes: “Ohio State has coach (Larry) Johnson. He’s widely known as the best D-line coach in college football and the NFL. He’s one of the best around. To be coached by him is very beneficial no matter how you look at it.”

Penn State Nittany Lions: “They were one of my first big offers. We’ve had a relationship for over a year now. Every time I talk to coach (James) Franklin or coach (Deion) Barnes, it’s just a great conversation.”

Wisconsin Badgers: “Wisconsin is one of my strongest relationships. I feel like I could get in the most and have an impact right away. I’ve got a good relationship with Coach Mitch [Matt Mitchell]. It’s strong and we’ve been building it for a while.”

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Ford as a prospect:

"Force-based edge defender that has proven to be rather effective against the run as he slips off blocks and gets to the ball carrier. Looks the part with a sturdy 6-foot-4, 240-pound build and is likely to keep adding mass as he’s on the younger side for his grade."

"Not the most limber athlete, but has flashed the ability to plant and redirect as he flows forward. Can win with snap anticipation and will use an above average first-step to get into opponents. Quick to shoot the hands as a pass rusher and holsters a nifty spin move. Tends to create most of his pressures with pure effort and further technical development should only make him more valuable on passing downs as he’s still learning how to work in secondary moves after initially billing himself as more of a tight end."

"Could fit into a variety of different fronts and already has experience attacking from both a two and three-point stance. Projects as a potential multi-year contributor with all-conference upside at the Power Four level that can help set the edge and create negative plays."