Last week, Duncanville (Texas) elite four-star edge-rusher K.J. Ford announced a July 11 commitment date with a final three of Florida, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
But that doesn't tell the whole story.
"Big surprise tomorrow," Ford posted to Twitter/X on Thursday.
And he's not just hyping up his announcement.
According to On3, the Alabama Crimson Tide have suddenly emerged as the favorite to land the Duncanville star.
The nation's No. 98 overall prospect and No. 11 edge-rusher took an official visit to Tuscaloosa in late May - the first of his four trips - but Alabama was eliminated when Ford announced his top three.
That appears to no longer be the case.
The Crimson Tide are red-hot on the recruiting trail this summer, and lead the nation in five-star commitments (four or five depending on the site).
Much of that stockpile of talent has come in the past few weeks, highlighted by Gainesville (Georgia) five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, Benjamin Russell (Alabama) five-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, St. Frances Academy (Maryland) five-star safety Jireh Edwards and Picayune Memorial (Mississippi) four-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson.
Ford's addition would be a surprise, but given Alabama's hot streak it would be more evidence that the Crimson Tide are recruiting at an elite level.
An Under Armour All-American, Ford racked up 57 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks in his junior campaign.
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."