Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1538407
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5 5 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Penn State filled an important need on its defensive line when it added four-star Pennsylvania prospect Jackson Ford to its 2026 class on June 27. Listed at just under 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Ford picked up an offer from the Nittany Lions following an appear- ance at the staff's White Out camp in July 2024. His performance established the Phoenixville native as one of defensive line coach Deion Barnes' most important targets. Fortunately for PSU, the interest was reciprocal. "I feel like the connection between me and Coach Barnes has been building for a while now and is really strong," Ford said. "We've been talking for over a year. Penn State was one of my first big offers. "Since then, the plan that he's shown me and my parents has been really im- pactful. He sees my upside and plans to build on that over the coming years. So, between that and the connection I've built with Coach Barnes and Coach [James] Franklin, that played a big part." A standout at Malvern Prep, where he totaled 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 pass breakups as a junior, Ford earned more than two dozen scholarship offers. His five trips to Penn State since July 2024 were the most he took to any school. Ford's choice ultimately came down to four Big Ten programs: Penn State, Wis- consin, Ohio State and Michigan. PSU's proximity to his hometown ultimately made the difference. "Penn State is in- state, three hours away, and my parents will be able to come to all of my games," Ford said. "As I thought more, I felt like I should stay at home. I felt completely confi- dent in that decision." Ford is ranked by Rivals as the No. 190 overall prospect and No. 25 linebacker nationally, as well as the No. 6 player in Pennsylvania going into his senior year. — Ryan Snyder In previous years, Penn State had no difficulty finding talented tight end pros- pects within its normal recruiting foot- print. However, that hasn't been the case during the 2026 cycle, forcing tight ends coach Ty Howle to look nationally. This past spring, Minnesota native Pierce Petersohn earned Penn State's full attention. The four-star prospect had previously visited Minnesota and several other Big Ten schools, and Iowa State was also in the mix. But the Cyclones and Go- phers liked him best as a linebacker, while Penn State envisioned him as a tight end. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Petersohn wasn't necessarily opposed to playing linebacker, but he felt his best long-term fit was on offense. He amassed nearly 2,000 yards of total offense playing quar- terback at Triton High last season and wanted to play on that side of the ball in college. That conviction helped PSU se- cure his commitment on June 25. "He really gravitates toward the offensive side of the ball," Triton High coach Brandon Neseth said. "Early in the process, he liked the idea of playing defense. He's a physical kid and has grown into that role, but I think the relationship with Ty Howle, and how he showed him how he could work with him inside that of- fense, really fit him well. Everything they do with their tight ends really intrigued Pierce throughout." Howle has helped build Penn State's tight ends room into one of the most tal- ented groups in the country. All seven of the scholarship tight ends on the current roster earned four- or five-star ratings. The Lions' depth at the position might have dissuaded some tight end prospects from committing during the current cy- cle, but Petersohn was unfazed. "It wasn't something that was going to keep him away from Penn State," Neseth said. "He sees what they've done, sees the guys that are coming through. As an elite athlete, he's excited to be part of that." Rivals lists Petersohn as the No. 199 prospect and No. 10 tight end nationally, as well as No. 2 overall in Minnesota. — Ryan Snyder COMMITMENT PROFILE JACKSON FORD COMMITMENT PROFILE PIERCE PETERSOHN Malvern Prep Linebacker Likes Penn State's Plan Minnesota Prospect Fits PSU's Tight End Template There's no slash role awaiting Pierce Pe- tersohn at Penn State. His throwing mo- tion and mechanics make it clear he'll be transitioning away from the quarterback position, in case anyone gets any ideas. The timeline for his transition to tight end is up in the air as well. Luckily, Penn State has a deep and talented room, so he won't be needed right away. If he enrolls early, don't be surprised if he's able to put on good weight quickly. Overall, the Nittany Lions have found another highly talented tight end prospect who fits into the room very well. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N Jackson Ford is a very good edge-rushing prospect for Penn State. He may not have Dani Dennis-Sutton's elite length and size or Chaz Coleman's feel for angles or Max Granville's elite burst, but he does have the potential to develop many of the skills that those current PSU defensive ends have displayed. There's also another level of athleticism he can exhibit that will define his own playing style in a better way. For now, Penn State is acquiring a highly talented four-star recruit with significant upside. How quickly he can transform from a raw talent into a productive defender will determine how quickly he sees the field. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N