University of Minnesota Athletics

2025 Football Roster

Ford_Xavier
Jersey Number 31

Xavier Ford

  • Position:
    RB
  • Ht./Wt.:
    5-10 / 210
  • Hometown:
    Leesville, La.
  • High School:
    Leesville
  • Years in College / At Minnesota:
    1 / 1
  • Remaining Eligibility Entering 2025 Season:
    4 years
  • Class:
    Freshman
PRONUNCIATION

2025 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Made his Minnesota and collegiate debut against Northwestern State and rushed two times for 10 yards. 

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Leesville High School in Leesville, Louisiana • wore No. 24 for the Wampus Cats and was coached by Robert Causey • finished high school career with a school-record 8,591 yards and 123 touchdowns on 960 carries • as a senior, named Louisiana’s Mr. Football • rushed 332 times and set state single-season records with 3,467 yards and 52 touchdowns (previous state single-season rushing record was held by the late Cedric Skinner of Oberlin High School when he rushed for 3,437 yards in 2010) • averaged 25 carries, 267 yards, and four touchdowns per game • caught 13 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns • as a junior, rushed for 2,425 yards and 32 touchdowns • caught six passes for 48 yards • as a sophomore, rushed for 2,581 yards and 34 touchdowns • made six catches for 98 yards and one touchdown • also played basketball • ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN • listed as the No. 90 running back in the nation and as the No. 35 recruit in Louisiana by 247Sports 

PERSONAL: Son of Frank Ford and Jelisha Hughes • father, Frank, played college football at McNeese State where he was a linebacker • uncle, Michael Ford, played college football at LSU and in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.
Game Trailer: Gophers-Bears
Friday, September 12
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Rout Demons
Tuesday, September 09
Highlights: Gophers 66, Northwestern State 0
Saturday, September 06
Sights & Sounds: Gophers-Demons
Saturday, September 06