Alabama's Transfer Portal haul was severely underrated by the national media, and numerous guys have made significant impacts. Both on and off the field, perhaps none have made more of an impact than Oklahoma State transfer TE Josh Ford. He's brought a physicality and nasty streak back to the Crimson Tide that was missing a year ago.
Ford has been a critical piece for the Alabama offense both as a blocker and occasionally as a receiver. He caught his second TD pass of the year on Saturday in Baton Rouge, scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter to put Alabama ahead 17-13 and help the Crimson Tide earn the 18-point win in Death Valley.
Now, Alabama will have to move forward without him.
According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, Ford is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee-injury against LSU:
Alabama tight end Josh Ford is set to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury he suffered Saturday against LSU, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 9, 2026
The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder had been a key piece of the Crimson Tide offense and had a touchdown catch vs. LSU before suffering the… pic.twitter.com/eZZvQui6Gf
Josh Ford reportedly suffered a season-ending knee injury at LSU
Ford had to be helped off the field in the fourth quarter of the Crimson Tide's win. He shook off the trainers after a moment and finished the walk under his own power.
This is the second significant injury suffered this season by Ford. He broke his forearm during the win over Mississippi State at the beginning of October. He underwent surgery and then played in the game against Georgia six days later. He has proven himself to be a total warrior. No doubt that he would try to play after this if the coaching staff would allow him, but sometimes as a coach you have to protect a player from himself.
This is a significant loss for the Crimson Tide. Ford has been one of Alabama's best blockers this year.
Fortunately, Alabama does have some quality depth at TE. Along with sophomores Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett, who have been excellent both as receivers and blockers, Alabama also has Danny Lewis Jr. and Jay Lindsey, who have played well given the opportunity.
Lewis is a veteran who has struggled to stay healthy, but he can be majorly impactful as a blocker when he's on the field. Lindsey has taken strides and gotten a healthy amount of reps this season despite being the fifth TE in the pecking order. He should see a big increase in snaps the remainder of the season.
Ford will undoubtedly continue to make an impact off the field as a leader for this team, even if he can't be out there playing.
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