Duncanville (Texas) elite defensive end KJ Ford is one of the top edge-rushers in the class of 2026.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defender, rated a top-100 prospect nationally, has accumulated more than 30 scholarship offers from college football's top programs. 

Last week, Ford announced a top three of Florida, Ohio State and Texas A&M and set a Friday commitment date at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 P.M. ET.

Except that's not the whole story.

MORE: Derrek Cooper, nation's No. 1 RB, names final five, ready to commit

In the past 48 hours, On3 has reported that Alabama has re-entered the fold and is the favorite.

"Big surprise tomorrow," Ford posted to Twitter/X on Thursday, leaning in to the rumor.

Is it smoke? Or is Ford really planning to commit to a non-finalist?

WATCH: 

Ford's reported Alabama interest doesn't come from nowhere.

If, in fact, the Crimson Tide are back in the fold, his four finalists would be the four schools to which he took official visits. 

There's also this: Alabama was viewed as the likely favorite for soon-to-commit five-star defensive end Anthony "Tank" Jones.

If he were to head elsewhere, it would make sense the Crimson Tide might re-prioritize Ford.

Of course, that's purely speculation. 

What will the winning school be getting?

As a junior, Ford registered 57 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. 

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Ford as a prospect:

"Well-rounded, classic defensive end with sneaky size and requisite length. May most appropriately embody a traditional three-point, 4-3 end, primarily aligned as a 7-tech. That said, likely a potentially scheme-versatile edge who could also provide valuable snaps as a hybrid two-point, 3-4 rusher."

"Uses leverage and sudden point-of-attack strength to affect the run game. Still developing consistent bend-and-dip flexibility, but flashes arc-running ability as a rusher. Also shows some promising stack-and-shed power against larger foes. Under Armour Dallas Regional in Feb. 2025 reinforced belief in POA quickness and speed-to-power abilities that often knocked offensive linemen to their heels in 1-on-1 exposure."

"Projects to the high-major level as a potential multi-year starter with long-term pro upside."