Alabama's Josh Ford Injured, Latest Rumors on Surgery Decision and TE's Status for 2026 Season

Alabama was riding high after Saturday's 31-13 win over rival LSU, but the wind has been taken out of their sails.

Pete Nakos of On3.com reported on Monday that Crimson Tide tight end Josh Ford suffered a season-ending injury and is expected to undergo surgery later this week. He had recorded two catches for 15 yards and a touchdown against the Tigers on Saturday before exiting the game early.

Ford ends the 2026 season with five catches for 41 yards and two touchdowns. He spent his first two collegiate seasons at Oklahoma State and has career numbers of 18 receptions, 178 yards and four scores.

Nakos noted that before Saturday's season-ending injury, Ford showed incredible toughness by playing through a broken forearm suffered in October. He underwent surgery but managed to quickly return to the field.

"It's still recovering, but I couldn't do it without them, that's for sure," Ford said of his surgeon and Alabama's medical staff. "Saturday, it was my decision to play or not. They weren't forcing me out there. But I felt good to go, and they made a carbon-fiber plate. It's dang near invincible."

While losing Ford stings, the Crimson Tide have a pair of talented tight ends in Marshall Pritchett and Kaleb Edwards, who have combined for five touchdowns this season.

Alabama (7-2) was ranked No. 5 in last week's College Football Playoff poll, so Saturday's win could help the Crimson Tide rise this week. The team will try to keep the momentum going when it faces Vanderbilt (4-5) on Saturday.