DeBoer tells why Alabama signed transfer tight end from Oklahoma State

Kalen DeBoer shed some light on why the Alabama Crimson Tide went after and signed Josh Ford from the transfer portal.

It is easy to see why Josh Ford was able to get on the field early at Oklahoma State.

The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder has the traits Alabama continues to go after at tight end.

🎥 via @Spenser_Tilus

Here are my initial thoughts on the tight end. https://t.co/8Z4TiWGtRb pic.twitter.com/EVGWkx6yGu

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) December 17, 2025

Ford is a former Oklahoma State tight end and is a native of Stillwater, Oklahoma. He stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs approximately 265 pounds.

The Crimson Tide announced the signing of Ford this week. DeBoer was asked about what went into the decision to sign Ford on Wednesday.

“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 that can make the catches and be a threat in the passing game. Just really feel good about the direction that room can continue to go. We got 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.”

Ford pulled in 10 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman in 2024. He got his sophomore season off to a rolling start with three receptions, 45 receiving yards and three touchdowns in four games before he entered the transfer portal following Mike Gundy’s firing.