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
Bio
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