Top 3 landing spots for 2026 four-star EDGE Jesse Ford ft. TCU
Four-star prospect Jesse Ford from Martin High School in Texas is one of the emerging edge rushers in the 2026 class. He has already received offers from TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech, Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas A&M and Houston.
Ford recorded 40 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two forced fumbles in his sophomore season, earning him the 8-6A All-District Defensive Newcomer of the Year honor. He also competes in track and field, recording impressive sophomore throws of 48-7.25 in the shot put and 148-7 in the discus.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound prospect is ranked by On3 as the nation's No. 91 overall prospect in the 2026 class, the No. 9 edge rusher and the No. 13 prospect in Texas. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 109 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 10 edge rusher and the No. 14 prospect in the state.
Top 3 programs vying for Jesse Ford's commitment
#3. Texas Tech
Texas Tech was one of the first programs to recognize Jesse Ford's potential, offering him a scholarship on July 20 last year. He was thrilled to receive the offer, especially since it came while he was on a lake trip with friends.
"I know the coaches love me, and I know I would have a great relationship with them even though I haven't met all the coaches yet," Ford told Rivals. "I talk to coach C.J. Ah You a lot. He's a great dude and believes in me. I can just tell we are going to build a great relationship."
The Red Raiders have linebacker Tieson Ejiawoko committed to the 2026 class. The program's approach to player development is one of the key factors drawing Ford's attention.
"They develop players," Ford said. "I like a school that develops players and doesn't just give up on a player because they aren't good enough or are not at the starting position yet."
#2. Texas A&M
As a Texas native, Jesse Ford is naturally drawn to the in-state Texas A&M. The Aggies extended an offer to him on May 8, 2023, and since then, he has made multiple visits to College Station, including a campus tour in July this year.
Texas A&M has already secured commitments from two in-state prospects in its 2026 class: cornerback Ryan Gilbert from North Forney and safety Markel Ford from Horn High School. If Ford were to join the Aggies, he would be the third Texas prospect in the class.
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Texas A&M has a 6.2% chance of landing Ford's commitment.
#1. TCU
Leading the pack in the race for Jesse Ford's commitment is TCU. The Horned Frogs extended an offer to him on Oct. 5. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, it holds a 9.9% chance of securing Ford's pledge, the highest among his current suitors.
TCU has already locked a commitment from four-star wide receiver Brock Boyd in the 2026 class. The program also remains in the mix for several other top prospects, including quarterback Ryder Lyons, running back Davian Groce, wide receiver Davion Peters, tight end Paolo Seltenreich, wide receiver Tatum Bell and edge rusher Jamarion Carlton.
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