Palko, who was originally committed to Bucknell, visited Penn State and received an offer earlier this week.
Clifford is one of 20 semifinalists for the award.
"Myself and the Penn State community are definitely ready to see something new. I'm with them."
The Nittany Lions continue moving up the rankings, leaping forward three spots.
The award annually recognizes the best assistant coach in the country.
After citing frustrations with "misreporting," James Franklin revealed Porter is expected to return this season.