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Four-Star 2026 EDGE Drops Top School List

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 1:34 PM ET

The 2026 recruiting cycle is far from over with nine months remaining before the early signing period. For many programs, the staff are still building out their prospect boards and building relationships, before the summer visit season begins.

For Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff, another potential prospect could be coming into focus with four-star EDGE K.J. Ford including the Tide among his top-12.

The Duncanville, Texas native is ranked as the No. 109 player in the country and No. 15 EDGE in the land according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Ford has scheduled four official visits for the summer highlighted by a May 30 visit to Tuscaloosa. The 6-foot-3 225-pounder will also visit Oklahoma on June 20, Auburn on June 10, and USC on June 6.

According to On3, Oklahoma is leading the pact with Ford visiting Norman six times already, but Texas A&M is the early favorite to land the top prospect.

"Looks like a classic 4-3 end who's comfortable playing with a hand on the ground," 247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks. "Flashes stack-and-shed strength at the point of attack. Has some power in his hands to jar blockers, particularly in the run game. Shows arc-running instincts and corresponding functional athleticism as a pass rusher."

The Crimson Tide is currently ranked as the No. 13 in the On3 Team Industry Rankings. Alabama has three four-star commitments in cornerback Zyan Gibson, EDGE Jamarion Matthews, and interior offensive lineman Chris Booker.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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