Moving across the state, defensive lineman Trace Ford has dropped “State” from his school title and announced his decision to transfer from Oklahoma State to Oklahoma in a transfer portal shocker.
Trace Ford Heads to Oklahoma in the Transfer Portal
Oklahoma fans need no introduction of just who Trace Ford is. Though he hasn’t played against the Sooners in two years, in his first two matchups against Oklahoma, Ford accumulated a handful of QB pressures, two sacks, and a couple of highlight-reel plays.
Ford announced his decision to transfer from the Cowboys to the Sooners in a move that received mixed reactions from the state of Oklahoma. While some politely thanked Ford for his four years in Stillwater, others spoke of the bedlam that should ensue with a player transferring to a rival school.
MORE: CFN NCAA Transfer Portal Tracker
Announcing his decision with a simple “Oklahoma kid” message on social media, Ford’s recruitment in the portal was surely something. He announced his decision to enter the portal back on December 6 with a message that hinted at a potential loss of faith in him from the Oklahoma State program.
“Life goes on,” the post read. “With that being said, I have entered the transfer portal. Thank you to my teammates, my family, and everything that continues to support me.”
When Ford was healthy for the Cowboys, he was nearly unstoppable on the field. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, his ability to play all across the defensive line made him a vital weapon for Oklahoma State.
Though 2022 was a relatively down year for the OSU defense sans Jim Knowles as their defensive coordinator, there were certainly flashes of brilliance from potential superstars like Ford.
Now, Ford heads to Oklahoma, where he’ll be coached by head coach Brent Venables, co-DC Todd Bates, co-DC Ted Roof, and DEs coach Miguel Chavis. The talented OU staff could certainly maximize the elite pass-rushing ability that Ford possesses and flashed during his years in Stillwater.
The Edmond, Oklahoma native will help anchor a relatively youthful defensive front of emerging talent for the Sooners. He’ll be the elder statesman of a group highlighted by Ford and Danny Stutsman in 2023.
Ford Quick Facts:
- Class: Senior
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 240
- Career tackles: 59
- Career sacks: 8.5
- Career TFL: 11.5
