Prediction: Penn State to beat out Michigan, Ohio State for key recruit

Malvern Prep (Pennsylvania) bluechip edge-rusher Jackson Ford is set to announce his college commitment Friday at noon ET.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound athlete is down to an all-Big Ten Final four of the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions and Wisconsin Badgers.

Ford has taken official visits to all four of his finalists since May 30, but one program seems to have an edge in the homestretch.

Prediction: Jackson Ford to Penn State Nittany Lions

More good in-state recruiting news for Penn State?

It sure seems like it.

Penn State's 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 8 nationally - with five of its top seven pledges coming from the home state.

That's a major win for the program.

It means they are getting out and recruiting their top in-state kids early and that their message is resonating

Those sentiments were shared by Ford when he previewed his four finalists. 

“They were one of my first big offers," he said. "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.”

That type of rapport, especially with in-state recruits, tends to lead to a commitment, so the Nittany Lions should feel good about where they stand ahead of Ford's commitment.

The recruiting industry agrees.

247Sports' staff collectively predicted Ford to Penn State, while On3 gives the Nittany Lions a 94 percent chance of winning the recruiting battle.

If that happens, what will Penn State be getting?

The edge-rusher is rated the nation's No. 202 overall prospect, No. 22-edge-rusher and No. 5 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania by 247Sports. 

Here's what they 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."