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Penn State Football: Jackson Ford's Loyalty Boosts Rebuild

Penn States football program, recently hit by coach James Franklins firing, faces a daunting task with only two committed players for the 2026 recruiting class. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as four-star edge rusher Jackson Ford, an in-state talent, commits to the team, expressing faith in its ability to rebuild. Despite the athletic directors failed attempt to hire Kalani Sitake and two high-profile recruits flipping their commitments, Fords loyalty stands out. Penn State may need to rely on the transfer portal to rebuild, as contending for a Big Ten title again may take several years.

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  • Penn State Football's Recruiting Crisis

    02:11|
    Penn States football program faces an unprecedented recruiting crisis, ranking last in the Big Ten with their 2026 class. The team started signing day without a permanent head coach, leading to a mass exodus of committed players, including top prospects. Former Penn State commits, now at Virginia Tech, contributed to a top twenty-five class for the Hokies, highlighting the extent of the damage.
  • Hafley Emerges as Penn State Coaching Candidate

    00:33|
  • Penn State's Coach Search: Pressure Mounts

    01:35|
    Penn States head football coach search faces challenges as top candidates decline or accept other offers, impacting recruiting and creating concerns about roster management. With Kalani Sitake and Bob Chesney off the board, and Brent Key and Jeff Brohm committed elsewhere, the universitys athletic director, Pat Kraft, is under scrutiny. Fans and alumni seek a resolution, with interim coach Terry Smith and other potential candidates like Brian Daboll, Matt Campbell, and Manny Diaz being considered. The search continues, with the possibility of looking at unemployed coaches or those with strong Penn State ties.
  • Penn State Eyeing NFL's Brian Daboll for Head Coach

    01:49|
    Penn State football is reportedly considering former NFL coaches for their next head coach, with Brian Daboll emerging as a strong contender. Daboll, who served as offensive coordinator for Nick Sabans Alabama team in 2017, brings significant experience and a championship pedigree. Nick Saban himself has endorsed Daboll, praising his intelligence and recruiting ability. If Penn State is looking for a transformative leader, Daboll could be the perfect fit.
  • Penn State Alums Shine in NFL Week Thirteen

    01:47|
    Former Penn State football players made a significant impact in Week Thirteen of the NFL, with several delivering standout performances. Micah Parsons, a defensive lineman for the Packers, recorded two and a half sacks and eight tackles, contributing to the Packers victory over Detroit. On defense, Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Winston Junior, and Chop Robinson also shone, making tackles and sacks. On offense, Brenton Strange, a tight end for the Jaguars, caught three passes for forty-five yards and scored a touchdown, helping the Jaguars secure a victory. Chris Godwin and Kalen King celebrated significant milestones, with Godwin catching three passes for a season-high seventy-eight yards and King making his NFL debut.
  • Ford's Loyalty: Penn State's 2026 Class Kickoff

    01:48|
    Jackson Ford, a top-ranked defensive end, remains loyal to Penn State despite coaching changes, citing the programs strong infrastructure and his personal connection to the campus. Meanwhile, quarterback Peyton Falzone returns to Penn State after initially decommitting, forming a bond with Ford over shared recruiting experiences.
  • Penn State's Recruiting Disaster: Franklin's Departure & Uncertainty

    01:50|
    Penn States 2025 signing day turned into a disaster, with several key recruits decommitting after former head coach James Franklins departure. Despite securing a quarterback and edge rusher, they lost four-star safety, linebacker, and corner. The lack of stable coaching created uncertainty, making it hard to attract top talent. However, interim coach Terry Smith has received support for his leadership and positive culture.
  • Penn State's Recruiting Class Faces Coaching Change Challenges

    01:53|
    Penn States 2025 football signing day was marred by unexpected challenges, as the departure of former head coach James Franklin and an ongoing coaching search led to several promising recruits decommitting. Despite signing a few players, the Nittany Lions suffered significant losses, including four-star safety Matt Sieg, linebacker Terry Wiggins, corner Amauri Polydor, and quarterback Troy Huhn, who joined Franklin at Virginia Tech. The constant decommitments highlighted the impact of the coaching search, but theres hope with interim coach Terry Smiths consistent leadership and optimism for a smaller recruiting class.
  • National Signing Day Drama: Penn State, Ohio State, and More

    02:00|
    National Signing Day delivered a rollercoaster of surprises, with Penn States recruiting class taking a hit amidst coaching turmoil. Despite decommitments, four-star edge rusher Jackson Ford and quarterback Peyton Falzone remained loyal. Meanwhile, James Franklin, Penn States former coach, flipped eleven prospects to Virginia Tech. The days biggest drama unfolded with five-star receiver Chris Henry Junior, who reconsidered his commitment to Ohio State after his primary recruiter left for South Florida. Other recruits, like Jerquaden Guilford, also found themselves in the crosshairs of rival schools. The day ended with several top recruits delaying their decisions, including Henry, and Calvin Russell hinting at a possible commitment to Miami, proving that National Signing Day is never straightforward.