Oklahoma Sooners predicted to land 2026 four-star defensive end

The Oklahoma Sooners hosted a number of prospects from the 2026 recruiting class over the weekend for Junior Day and are already reaping the rewards of their efforts.

One of the prospects Oklahoma welcomed to Norman was four-star defensive end Kevin Ford Jr. On Monday, Sam Spiegelman of Rivals issued a FutureCast favoring the Sooners in his recruitment. Ford is considered the No. 11 defensive end in the cycle, according to 247Sports, and is a top 125 player in the class.

Out of Duncanville High School, Ford is a disruptive defensive end prospect. He’s got a quick get-off at the snap that he uses to knife through the line of scrimmage or get around offensive tackles. Ford shows good play strength, displaying the ability to knock back offensive linemen with his initial strike. He sets the edge well in the run game and shows good discipline in his responsibilities. His speed and athleticism make him a natural pass rusher, but he has the strength to be a force against the run. Ford has a strong motor and is willing to chase down plays from the backside or after the quarterback steps up to avoid his initial rush.

He would be a great addition to the Oklahoma Sooners defensive front. In addition to his Oklahoma offer, he’s being pursued by a number of Power Four programs, including Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.