Josh Ford Explains Decision to Enter Transfer Portal

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford, a Stillwater native, represented the Cowboys at Big 12 Media Days this summer in part because he was the only returning piece on that side of the ball.

On Wednesday, that cornerstone piece of the offense announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Instagram.

“After a lot of prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining,” Ford wrote. “I’m trusting God’s plan and the next chapter he has for me.

“Football has always been more than a game. It’s my ministry. I believe God is leading me to take that ministry to another place to continue growing, serving and impacting others through this sport I love.”

Ford missed Saturday’s game after popping up on the injury report last week. Through the first four games, he averaged a 61% snap count, putting him second among all non-quarterback skill players behind only receiver Terrill Davis (64%).

The next closest tight end, Will Monney played only 22% of snaps, for context. Ford was one of two Cowboys this season to catch a touchdown pass and ranked ninth in receptions (three), but sixth in yards with 45.

Ford last spoke with the media on Sept. 29, a few days removed from the Baylor game. He was asked then about the challenges of keeping the locker room together when guys had decisions to make. At the time, a few of those were just coming out publicly. Since that moment, Ford has become the seventh Cowboy to opt out this season.

In his response to that question, it seemed fairly obvious Ford was wrestling with his own options.

“I know everybody has got to make decisions for them and I want them do what is best for them,” Ford said. “I am trying to just pray and ask the Lord just kind of wisdom for this whole situation. Trying to figure out why he is making us go through this.”

Last season the freshman emerged as TE1 quickly and finished with 10 receptions (sixth most) for 92 yards (seventh most) and a touchdown.

Despite being asked multiple questions that day concerning his touchdown, Ford was never more comfortable than when he was asked about his why for playing football. As he touched on during his Instagram post, Ford related that driving motivation back to his faith.

“That’s why he’s got me in here, you know, I mean, if I, if my one, if I’m here for four years, and there’s one player that gets to know, Christ, it’s worth it,” Ford said. “And I mean, that’s another person up in his kingdom so trying to make that place crowded.”