Sometimes the best replacements aren't meant to be flashy; they're meant to be effective. It's a lot like adding a seasoned linchpin to a complex machined quietly making everything run smoother. That's what the addition of Oklahoma State transfer tight end Josh Ford represents for Alabama this spring, at least in the eyes of Kalen DeBoer.
Ford may not grab the headlines, but as an experienced and versatile newcomer, his presence could be the key to strengthening both the Crimson Tide's run game and its passing attack. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds, the redshirt sophomore brings an attitude as an instinctual blocker in the room game and sneaky athleticism as a pass catcher. Ford showed these traits across two seasons in Stillwater where he totaled 13 receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while being known as a player who does the dirty work up front.
These are the exact qualities DeBoer and his staff were most excited about when quietly snagging Ford as one of Alabama's sneakier additions through the transfer portal this past January.
Kalen DeBoer believes the underrated addition of Josh Ford brings a different demeanor that could serve Alabama well
"We bring in a Josh Ford to add a little more strength and demeanor in the run blocking," DeBoer said on Josh Pate's College Football Show. "I think that can help that whole group out. I like that."
DeBoer welcomes Ford with open arms after the Tide graduated the player before him, who did exactly this and so much more; Josh Cuevas. Cuevas was recognized by DeBoer, staff, and the Alabama fanbase as a key ingredient to their weekly offensive success. Cuevas didn't post big numbers as a receiving threat during his senior campaign in 2025, but his impact as a vocal leader and willing blocker was realized on a weekly basis.
And with the senior tight end now taking his talents to hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh later this month, DeBoer is even more at ease with Alabama's tight end room, knowing that Ford is about the same stuff Cuevas embodied.
“We just need tight ends, guys that are versatile and can do the thing on the line of scrimmage for us and give us some size,” DeBoer said. “We also need the guys who can make the catches and be a threat in the passing game. Just really feel good about the direction that the room can continue to go. We had the graduation of Josh (Cuevas) and Danny (Lewis) this year. We’ve got some good young guys but could use some veteran guys that have been in the college world a little bit, and he brings that.”
One of those young guys DeBoer is referring to is Alabama sophomore tight end, Kaleb Edwards. Edwards has also acknowledged the addition Ford has made to the Crimson Tide offense as he learns from the upperclassmen this spring.
“He is going to be a great addition for us,” Edwards said. “He is great at run blocking and is developing in the passing game.”
These early endorsements should give Alabama fans more than enough confidence at the position heading into this fall. With Ford's toughness and work ethic, he could end up being one of the Tide's most important pickups. And if he brings the same type of physical presence and reliability Alabama has grown accustomed to at tight end, then this could make the Crimson Tide offense better in more ways than people realize in 2026.