Elite Four-Star EDGE Stuns Fans and Experts With Commitment Decision
There has been a whirlwind around 2026 four-star edge rusher Kevin (KJ) Ford's commitment over the past two days. After previously being a favorite for the Florida Gators, Ford received expert predictions from Rivals' Steve Wiltfong and Sam Spiegelman to land with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday.
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In a stunning turn, Ford announced his commitment to Florida on Friday, reported by Rivals' Hayes Fawcett. Ford picked up the Gators hat over the Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas A&M Aggies.
After Alabama not being in Ford's final three schools before his commitment date, this pledge to head coach Billy Napier and the Gators is a shock to the college football world.
"Going to make a statement in the SEC," Ford said.
Florida Gators head coach Billy NapierDenny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Duncanville, Texas, native is ranked in the top 100 nationally and is the No. 11 edge in the country, per the Top247 rankings. Ford helped Duncanville High School reach the Texas 6A D-I state semifinals with 57 total tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks as a junior, according to 247Sports.
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The Gators have had an incredible run on the recruiting trail since the calendar turned to July, and with this commitment from Ford, Napier improves his already fantastic 2026 class.
After Ford's staggering decision, Florida now has 17 total commits in the class, including 11 four-star recruits. The Gators are now up to No. 15 in On3's Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
Ford is the second-highest rated recruit in Florida's 2026 class, landing behind cornerback CJ Bronaugh and ahead of defensive lineman Kendall Guervil. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defensive powerhouse also becomes the first edge rusher commitment to co-defensive coordinator Ron Roberts' position group.
With four commitments on the defensive side of the ball for Napier's Gators in the past two weeks, the future of Florida's team is looking bright.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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