Alabama just made its first move in the transfer portal ahead of the 2026 class, and it’s a big one-literally and figuratively. Former Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford is heading to Tuscaloosa, bringing size, experience, and untapped potential to the Crimson Tide's tight end room.
Ford, who checks in at 6-foot-6 and 244 pounds, spent the last two seasons with the Cowboys before entering the portal following the dismissal of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy on October 8. Now, he becomes the first portal pickup for Alabama as the Tide begin shaping their next roster wave before the official two-week transfer window opens on January 2.
Let’s break down what Ford adds to Alabama’s offense.
A Physical Presence with Room to Grow
Ford’s stat line at Oklahoma State won’t blow anyone away-13 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons-but that only tells part of the story. He’s logged 572 snaps in that time, with the majority coming in run and pass-blocking situations. That speaks to a player who’s been trusted to do the dirty work in the trenches, a crucial piece in any offense that leans on balance and physicality.
Even though he played in just four games as a sophomore, Ford still has three seasons of eligibility left. That gives Alabama not just a short-term option, but a developmental prospect who can grow into a larger role. With his size and blocking chops, Ford could be a key piece in heavy sets or goal-line packages right away, while refining his route-running and pass-catching skills in the Tide’s system.
Tight End Room in Transition
Alabama’s tight end depth chart is heading for a shake-up after the 2025 season. Veterans Josh Cuevas, Peter Knudson, and Brody Dalton are all set to exhaust their eligibility, which means reinforcements are not just helpful-they’re necessary.
The Tide already had a two-tight end recruiting class lined up for 2025, with Marshall Pritchett and Kaleb Edwards committed, and they’ve added four-star Mack Sutter for 2026. But Ford brings something those incoming freshmen don’t: college reps and physical maturity.
He’s been in the fire, lined up against Big 12 defenses, and held his own as a blocker. That experience is gold in the SEC, where physicality and versatility at the tight end position are more than just luxuries-they’re requirements.
A Smart Fit for Alabama’s Evolving Offense
As Alabama continues to evolve offensively, the tight end position has become more than just a complementary piece. It’s a focal point in both the run game and the play-action passing attack. Ford’s ability to contribute as a blocker right away makes him a potential plug-and-play option in certain packages, while his frame gives him red-zone upside.
And with three years of eligibility left, the ceiling is still high. If Ford can develop as a pass-catcher in Alabama’s system, he could become a well-rounded weapon by the time the Tide’s current tight end core graduates.
Bottom line: This is a savvy pickup for Alabama. Ford may not have been a headline name in the portal, but his skill set fills a clear need, and his long-term upside makes this a move worth watching as the Crimson Tide continue to build out their 2026 roster.