Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford is officially heading to the SEC, with the veteran pass-catcher committing to Alabama out of the transfer portal.
This one had been trending that way since he entered the portal back in early December, and now it’s locked in. Ford announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide, becoming Alabama’s first official portal addition of the offseason. That’s not a bad way to kick things off, especially for a team losing depth at tight end.
Ford played in 16 games over the past two seasons in Stillwater, including 12 during the 2024 campaign and four more to start 2025. He never posted flashy numbers, but he did his job when called upon. He finished with 13 catches for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns during his time with the Cowboys. More than anything, Ford brought reliability to the position and the kind of physical presence that gets coaches’ attention, especially at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds.
It’s easy to see why Alabama jumped in. They’re expected to lose several tight ends to graduation and the draft, and Ford brings size and a few years of experience at the Power Four level. He won’t be expected to come in and carry the offense, but he can fill a role and play situational snaps without needing a steep learning curve. That’s the kind of piece a place like Alabama values. This was never about stardom; it’s about filling out a roster with plug-and-play bodies.
For Oklahoma State, this isn’t a crushing blow by any stretch. Ford was a steady depth guy, not a focal point, and the Cowboys have some young pieces in the tight end room they like. But still, when a player with that kind of build walks out the door, it leaves a little gap to fill. This portal cycle was always going to be active with all the coaching changes and roster turnover going around the Big 12, and this is just another example of that.
Ford had other suitors, too, including Arkansas, Auburn, Illinois, and even Oklahoma. But in the end, he’s heading to Tuscaloosa.
