Cal football lands Notre Dame DL Tyson Ford in the transfer portal

The Bears continue to bulk up on the defensive front.

Notre Dame's pipeline to Cal continues to grow as the Bears bolster their 2025 roster. Defensive end Tyson Ford committed to Cal after a recent visit, marking the program's first public transfer of the winter cycle.

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Ford, a 6’4”, 290-pound St. Louis native, played only a little bit at Notre Dame, logging 13 career snaps and three games in 2023. After stepping away from football in 2024 due to a medical issue, he’s graduating from Notre Dame and is set to join Cal with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

He cited trust in Cal's coaching staff and the opportunity to excel both athletically and academically as key reasons for his decision, in chatting with Matt Moreno of Cal Rivals.

"I believe Cal is the right spot for me because I believe in the coaching staff, especially Coach Sirmon and Coach Browning," Ford said following his announcement. "They showed me a plan of how I would succeed in their system and I believe it is exactly what I need in order to maximize my abilities. Aside from football, it also helps that Cal is a great spot academically and I will receive a master’s degree that will only bolster my resume in the future."

Ford becomes the third Notre Dame transfer to join Cal, following Aidan Keanaaina and Tobias Merriweather. His move mirrors Keanaaina’s successful move to the Bears on the defensive front last year, offering hope that Ford can make a similar impact. As a highly sought-after recruit, Ford received offers from top programs like Georgia, Oklahoma, and Michigan during the 2022 cycle.

Welcome to Cal Tyson!