Notre Dame transfer DL Tyson Ford commits to Cal

Notre Dame transfer defensive lineman Tyson Ford committed to Cal, he announced via social media. He announced his intention to enter the transfer portal in October after being placed on medical scholarship.

Ford appeared in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2023, and he will have three years of eligibility remaining. Notre Dame placed him on medical scholarship before the 2024 season, and he then said he planned to enter the portal when the window opened.

Ford played high school football at St. Louis (Mo.) John Burroughs School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 98 overall player from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Excited to announce my commitment to the University of California-Berkeley! @CalFootball #GoBears🐻 pic.twitter.com/RBl1ZdjJ3S

— Tyson Ford (@T2Cold7) December 13, 2024

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Ford went through spring ball at Notre Dame this year before the Irish placed him on medical scholarship. That, effectively, ended his time in South Bend – and in October, he said he intended to transfer.

“To my teammates, coaches and everyone who has supported me until this point, I want to express my gratitude for welcoming me and all of my family into this great program,” Ford said on social media at the time. “As a child, I never imagined God would bless me in this way. My journey is far from over. I will be entering the transfer portal after graduating in May, and I will enter with 3 years of eligibility remaining. Thank you God for the opportunity of a lifetime and even more in the future.”

Ford is the first commitment for Cal out of the portal this cycle. The Golden Bears are coming off their first season in the ACC, finishing with a 6-6 record. However, they’re preparing for some notable departures to the open market, most notably quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, and will have two years of eligibility remaining.