University of Minnesota Athletics
2026 Football Roster

Jersey Number 9
Xavier Ford
- Position:
- RB
- Ht./Wt.:
- 5-10 / 210
- Hometown:
- Leesville, La.
- High School:
- Leesville
- Years in College / At Minnesota:
- 2 / 2
- Letters:
- 1
- Class:
- Redshirt Freshman
| PRONUNCIATION |
2025 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Redshirted • played in two games • rushed 10 times for 35 yards • made his Minnesota and collegiate debut against Northwestern State and rushed two times for 10 yards • rushed eight times for 25 yards at Iowa.
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.
Anthony Smith Visits Southgate Elementary
Thursday, March 26
2026 Pro Day Recap
Thursday, March 26
Coach Fleck Previews Spring Football
Monday, March 23
Gopher Football at the Pav
Wednesday, March 11

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