Penn State’s early national signing day for the 2026 recruiting class won’t be remembered particularly fondly by Nittany Lions fans.

A group once 25 prospects strong crumbled after James Franklin was fired, dwindling to just four members when the early signing period began Wednesday . And that number shrank even further with signing day departures from Matt Sieg and Terry Wiggins .

But one prospect stuck it out. And he’ll likely become somewhat of a cult hero among the Nittany Lion faithful for it.

Malvern Prep (Pa.) four-star pass rusher Jackson Ford officially signed with Penn State on Wednesday .

Ford, 6-4 and 240 pounds, ranks as a four-star and the No. 256 player overall, according to the 247Sports Composite . He’s the No. 25 edge rusher in the class.

Ford pledged to P

See Full Page