The Oklahoma Sooners seem to be gaining traction in their pursuit of KJ Ford, one of the standout defensive ends in the 2026 recruiting class. Hailing from Duncanville, Texas, Ford boasts a four-star rating and is ranked as the 11th top prospect in his position according to 247Sports.
Just this past Wednesday evening, Parker Thune and Brandon Drumm from OUInsider expressed optimism in the form of Rivals Futurecasts, indicating a possible alignment with the Sooners for Ford. The buzz came after Ford’s remarkable performance at the UA Next event in Dallas last weekend, where he also shared his thoughts on Oklahoma with Chad Simmons from On3.
During his discussion, Ford mentioned, “I’ve visited Oklahoma four or five times, and they’ve made me feel like I’m a priority since they offered. Each visit is a positive experience. I appreciate the coaching staff, and we’ve built a strong rapport.”
Ford isn’t just an exciting edge rusher because of his speed and athleticism; his power also allows him to push past blockers to get to the quarterback. His impressive size and ability to hold his ground in the running game position him as an ideal candidate for the Sooners’ defensive line.
While Oklahoma stands out as a strong contender, they face stiff competition from Texas A&M, LSU, and Alabama. Yet, Ford’s recruitment saga could very well entertain possibilities beyond the SEC.
Player Highlights & Information
Vitals
- Projected Position: Defensive End
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 245 pounds (as per 247Sports)
- Hometown: Duncanville, Texas
Ratings
| Site | Stars | Overall | Position | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivals | 4 | 107 | 10 | 16 |
| ESPN | 4 | 138 | 16 | 14 |
| 247Sports | 4 | 111 | 11 | 15 |
| 247Sports Composite | 4 | 139 | 12 | 17 |
| On3 | 3 | — | 36 | 44 |
| On3 Industry | 4 | 150 | 16 | 18 |
This coverage was initially published on Sooners Wire: Four-star defensive end KJ Ford is anticipated to join the Oklahoma Sooners.
