Alabama picked up transfer tight end to add ‘strength and demeanor’ to run game

Alabama football added Josh Ford to its roster from the transfer portal in hopes he can be an asset in the run and pass game.

Ford is a former Oklahoma State tight end. He has multiple starts under his belt after two seasons with the Cowboys.

Kalen DeBoer joined Josh Pate for an interview and highlighted Ford as a meaningful transfer addition while talking about the Tide’s tight-end group.

“They’ve got a year under their belt, and so I like the development and growth there,” DeBoer said. “We bring in a Josh Ford to add a little more strength and demeanor in the run blocking. I think that can help that whole group out. I like that.”

Kaleb Edwards, who started as a true freshman for Alabama during the 2025 season, highlighted Ford’s ability to block in the run game during his recent media availability.

“He is going to be a great addition for us,” Edwards said. “He is great at run blocking and is developing in the passing game.”

Alabama listed Ford at 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds on its 2026 spring roster. DeBoer previously shed light on Ford being versatile while discussing why the Tide picked him up.

“We just need tight ends, guys that are versatile and can do the thing on the line of scrimmage for us and give us some size,” DeBoer said. “We also need the guys that can make the catches and be a threat in the passing game. Just really feel good about the direction that room can continue to go. We got the graduation of Josh (Cuevas) and Danny (Lewis) this year. We’ve got some good young guys but could use some veteran guys that have been in the college world a little bit, and he brings that.”

Ford played in 16 games as a Cowboy and finished his time with 137 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions.