Penn State beats out Michigan, Ohio State for Jackson Ford

The Penn State Nittany Lions have a top-10 recruiting class nationally - with four of their top six pledges coming from the home state.

On Friday James Franklin's program made it five of seven, as Malvern Prep (Pennsylvania) four-star edge-rusher Jackson Ford announces his commitment to the program.

Ford, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defender, committed to Penn State over fellow finalists Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, highlighting the significance of the in-state recruiting win.

The key to that recruitment? Relationships.

“I’m going to Penn State - just because the relationship that coach (Deion) Barnes has made is really strong," Ford said. "I love the plan he has made out for me, and I love the bond I have with the entire coaching staff.”

Another major factor was Penn State's ability to develop freak athletes.

While many programs around the country have produced an NFL combine warrior, Penn State is known for regularly developing the country's most jaw-dropping athletes.

For Ford, that piece was huge in his recruitment, believing that Penn State knows how to prepare its athletes for the next level.

“I feel like that was a big part to me," he said. "If you go back in history, you can find a good, freakish guy from any school. But in the past five years no one has produced more freak athletes than Penn State - not just the defensive line, but all over the field on offense and defense.”

Overall, Penn State's 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 9 nationally.