Arriving in Gainesville from Texas powerhouse high school program Duncanville, KJ Ford is an incoming freshman edge rusher for the Gators who is expected to contribute immediately for Brad White and the Florida defense.
Once ranked as a top-200 recruit, the 6-foot-4-inch, 245-pound edge rusher possesses a rare combination of elite power and speed. Ford was listed among the 2026 SEC impact freshmen by The Next Round.
Ford drew interest from top-tier programs nationwide but ultimately decided to commit to Florida, choosing the Gators over Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M and USC. Ford had a standout prep career totaling 17.5 tackles for loss to go along with 8.5 sacks last season at Duncanville — a program also responsible for producing Alabama freshman quarterback and former five-star prospect Keelon Russell, and Oregon wide receiver and former four-star prospect Dakorien Moore.
It is anticipated that the former four-star prospect will begin as a situational pass-rush specialist with the Gators. Florida’s roster overhaul has created uncertainty at key spots on the depth chart, creating a clear path for the early enrollee to craft an impact role this season.
SEC impact freshman
- Vanderbilt – Jared Curtis (QB)
- Tennessee – Faizon Brandon (QB)
- Auburn – Deshawn Spencer (WR)
- Alabama – EJ Crowell (RB)
- Florida – KJ Ford (EDGE)
- Arkansas – Trey Hodges (RB)
- Georgia – Tyriq Green (CB)
- Oklahoma – Jake Kreul (EDGE)
- Texas – Derrek Cooper (RB)
- Texas A&M – Aaron Gregory (WR)
- LSU – Lamar Brown (EDGE)
- Kentucky – Kenny Darby (WR)
- Ole Miss – Landon Barnes (EDGE)
- South Carolina – Darius Gray (OL)
- Missouri – Tajh Overton (DL)
- Mississippi State – Bralan Womack (S)
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