The Oklahoma Sooners are trending in a positive direction for one of the best defensive ends in the 2026 recruiting class, KJ Ford. Ford is a four-star prospect out of Duncanville, Texas and is rated as the No. 11 defensive end according to 247Sports.
On Wednesday evening, Parker Thune and Brandon Drumm of OUInsider issued Rivals Futurecasts favoring the Oklahoma Sooners in Ford’s recruitment. He was one of the top performers at the UA Next event down in Dallas this past weekend and shared his thoughts on OU with Chad Simmons of On3.
Ford said, “I have visited Oklahoma four or five times, and they have recruited me hard since they offered me. They have made me feel like a priority, and I have a good time each time I visit. I like the coaching staff, and I know them well.”
Ford is a dynamic edge rusher who can with speed and athleticism and also has the power to push blockers back into the quarterback. He has the size and power to set the edge in the running game. Ford has a really good motor that would make him a fantastic fit for the Sooners defensive line.
The Oklahoma Sooners are competing with Texas A&M, LSU, and Alabama but the recruitment could extend outside of the SEC as well.
Highlights
Vitals
Projected Position
Defensive End
Height
6-foot-3
Weight
245 pounds (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 article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 4-Star defensive end KJ Ford predicted to land with Oklahoma Sooners
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