Four-Star Jackson Ford Becomes Penn State’s First Class of 2026 Early Signee

Penn State got on the board on Early National Signing Day.

Despite losing most of its 2026 recruiting class following James Franklin’s firing and currently being without a new head coach, the Nittany Lions managed to ink four-star edge rusher Jackson Ford, who was the first to put pen to paper on Wednesday.

Ford, from Malvern Prep in suburban Philadelphia, ranks as the No. 9 Pennsylvania prospect, No. 25 edge rusher and No. 256 overall prospect in the class. He’s likely already cemented his place as a fan favorite before stepping foot on campus, remaining loyal despite the uncertainty surrounding the program.

He was later joined by four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone, who decommitted from Auburn on Monday and hadn’t chosen a new school yet. There will be a second national signing day window in February, though almost every recruit chooses to sign during the early opportunity. Three-star cornerback Amauri Polydor is Penn State’s only other remaining commitment, though he’s yet to officially sign.