After three seasons in State College, Penn State football defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ford was a three-star recruit coming out of Varina High School, per the 247Sports composite rankings. He was ranked as the No. 168-best defensive tackle in the 2020 high school class. He committed to Old Dominion over Boston College, East Carolina, Temple, and Air Force.

Ford played two seasons with the Monarchs, where he recorded 70 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He transferred to Penn State for the 2023 season but suffered a preseason injury, causing him to redshirt his junior year. Ford played in 11 games for Penn State in 2024, where he recorded 16 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. In his last season at Penn State, he played in all 12 games and recorded 15 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one interception.

Although he was not invited to the combine, nor did he play in the Pinstripe Bowl, he participated in Penn State’s 2026 Pro Day. The defensive tackle produced an 8’7″ broad jump, had 24 bench press reps, and a 4.83 40-yard dash run.

Ford has a powerful build made to hold down a defensive line. With his 6’2″, 293-pound physique, he has the capabilities to make an impact on a run defense and provide opportunities for tackles for loss.

“He is nearly impossible to move one-on-one. He plays with excellent leverage and pad level,” a Penn State Depth Chart analyst said.

They added that Ford “has violent hands that disrupt blocking schemes” and can be the anchor role to hold a defensive line together.

While having great strength and a long collegiate experience, Ford hasn’t proved he can get to the quarterback. His leadership and impact on Penn State’s defensive line could make him a late-round consideration, but he is more likely to go undrafted.

The 2026 NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, and ends Saturday, April 25. All seven rounds will be televised on ESPN and the NFL Network.