After being a role player his first two seasons at the
University of Texas at Austin, Ford emerged as a key contributor for the Longhorns in 2022. 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. Ford finished the season with 119 tackles, the second most of any player in the Big 12. 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. Ford would return for his senior season, once again earning All Big-12 first team honors. ==Professional career==