In the Big Ten, you don’t win without a nose tackle who can eat double teams.
Alonzo Ford Jr. is that man.
The senior transfer from Old Dominion has quietly become one of the most important pieces of the Penn State defense. While edge rushers like Max Granville get the headlines (and the sacks), Ford does the dirty work that allows them to roam free.
The Unsung Hero
Ford’s job isn’t to make tackles; it’s to keep linebackers clean. In 2025, despite the team’s defensive inconsistencies, Ford consistently graded out as one of the best run defenders on the team.
2025 Impact:
- Double Team Rate: 44% (Highest on team)
- Run Stop Percentage: 11.2%
- Key Stat: Penn State allowed 1.5 fewer yards per carry when Ford was on the field vs. when he was off.
Scouting Report: Leverage & Power
At 6’3” and 305 pounds, Ford is a classic 1-technique tackle.
Strengths:
- Anchor: He is nearly impossible to move one-on-one. He plays with excellent leverage and pad level.
- Hand Fighting: Has violent hands that disrupt blocking schemes.
- Durability: Played 500+ snaps in 2025 without missing a game.
Weaknesses:
- Pass Rush: He is not a dynamic pass rusher. He pushes the pocket but rarely closes for the sack.
2026 Outlook
With Coziah Izzard graduating, Ford becomes the senior statesman of the defensive tackle room. He will be flanked by Dallas Vakalahi (Utah transfer) in what promises to be a stout interior.
Antigravity’s Projection:
- Role: Starting Nose Tackle
- Stat Prediction: 35 Tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1.5 Sacks
- Impact: The primary reason Amare Campbell will have 95+ tackles.
The Verdict
Alonzo Ford Jr. won’t fill up the stat sheet, but turn on the tape, and you see his value. He is the anchor that holds the defensive line together. A healthy season from Ford is a prerequisite for a top-tier Penn State defense.