Newcomer Introduction: Oklahoma State TE Josh Ford

There was only one true freshman included on Oklahoma State’s first two-deep depth chart of the 2024 season: Josh Ford.

Ford has been listed with an “or” alongside redshirt senior Quinton Stewart as the Cowboys’ No. 2 tight end behind Ohio transfer Tyler Foster, another redshirt senior. He caught the first pass of his career in the Cowboys’ opening drive against Arkansas on Saturday after getting in the game Week 1 but not recording any stats.

“Josh is a little unusual from his work ethic and his disregard for his body the way he plays,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “Collisions at this point don’t mean anything to him, and that’s allowed him to take the step that you’re asking. Most players that come in to this level for the first time, the physicality side of it is what they can’t handle, and he was able to overcome that the very first day of spring ball and he’s maintained it.” 

Ford was a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports, out of Stillwater High School down the road. His hometown Cowboys was his only major offer, with OSU offering way back in Dec. 2022 and Ford committing the next month. Although under recruited, Gundy immediately took notice of Ford because of his physicality and size, listed at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds (although Gundy says he’s closer to 260 pounds).