Ford attended Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, where he was the District 5-5A-I Defensive MVP as a junior.
[2][3] After being a role player his first two seasons, Ford emerged as a key contributor for the Longhorns in 2022.
[4][5][6] On October 15, 2022, Ford recorded 8 tackles and two forced turnovers in a 24–21 win over Iowa State and was named the Big 12 defensive player of the week.
[8] At the conclusion of the season he was named a member of the All Big-12 first team, and third-team All-American by the Associated Press.
In Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Ford suffered a fractured fibula, necessitating surgery and effectively ending his season.