TCU Locks In a Big-Time Edge Rusher as Jesse Ford Signs on the Dotted Line
The Horned Frogs just landed a major piece for their future defense. Arlington (TX) Martin standout Jesse Ford made it official Wednesday morning, signing with TCU and putting a bow on a recruitment that’s been trending purple for nearly a year.
Ford, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound edge rusher, was one of the earliest commitments in TCU’s 2025 class, pledging back in January. Now, after months of building relationships and staying loyal to the Frogs, he’s officially part of the fold.
And make no mistake - this is a big get. Ford is rated as a four-star prospect and ranks as the No. 32 defensive line recruit in the country, per the 247Sports composite. That kind of pedigree doesn’t come easy, especially when you’ve got more than 20 offers on the table.
Ford’s recruitment featured a who’s who of college football programs. He turned down offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, among others. In the end, it was TCU’s culture, coaching staff, and defensive fit that sealed the deal.
“You don’t transfer out of here.”
That’s how Ford described the TCU environment - a place where players stick around because of the relationships they build and the development they receive. He’s been recruited by the Frogs for two years, and even before stepping on campus, he already feels like part of the family.
“The coaches love you to death,” Ford said. “They develop you unlike any other coach in the country.
Their defense fits me really well. And the other recruits - with their play style - I think it’s really going to be a good thing for this team.
We’ve got some great athletes.”
That kind of buy-in from a top-tier prospect says a lot about what TCU is building under Sonny Dykes and his staff. It also speaks to Ford’s mindset - he’s not just looking for a place to play, he’s looking for a place to grow.
On the field, Ford is a problem.
As a junior at Martin, Ford racked up 49 tackles, including 20.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks. He was disruptive, explosive, and relentless - the kind of edge presence that offensive coordinators have to game plan around.
And there’s more to come. National recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks sees a high ceiling for Ford, noting his size, power at the point of attack, and ability to chase down plays from the backside. He’s got the physical tools - above-average arm length, solid frame, and a multi-sport background that includes impressive shot put and discus numbers.
Brooks also highlighted Ford’s potential versatility. With continued development, he could be a scheme-flexible weapon - someone who sets the edge on early downs but can also slide inside or pin his ears back and rush the passer in obvious passing situations.
There’s still room to grow, especially in terms of syncing up his movement and improving his get-off. But the foundation is there. Ford is a high-upside defender who brings both production and projection - a rare combination at this stage.
A cornerstone for the Frogs’ future
Every recruiting class needs a tone-setter, and Jesse Ford fits that mold. He’s been committed since January, stayed solid through a competitive recruitment, and now becomes one of the faces of TCU’s 2025 defensive haul.
For a program that’s looking to reload in the trenches and build a defense that can compete at the highest level, Ford’s signing is a major step in the right direction. He’s not just a name on a list - he’s a potential difference-maker with the tools to make an early impact and the upside to be special down the line.
TCU fans, take note: Jesse Ford is officially on board. And the Frogs’ future on defense just got a whole lot brighter.