College Station, Texas native Ford Elizondo is making a notable shift in his athletic career, entering the NCAA Transfer Portal for track & field after a season and a half with Abilene Christian’s tennis program. During his time with the Wildcats, he contributed to the team’s 2025 WAC Championship before departing last semester.

Now enrolled at Grand Canyon, Elizondo has begun carving out a new path on the track. Competing unattached while seeking a program for Fall 2026, he is already showing promise as a middle-distance runner. After just three months of solo training, he opened with an impressive 1:54 in the 800m.

He continued that momentum at the 2026 Bryan Clay Invitational, lowering his season best to 1:53.85. Listed as a multi-sport athlete in the transfer portal, Elizondo will carry over three-plus years of eligibility as he looks to secure his next opportunity in track & field.

Ford Elizondo Makes Bold Transition to Track & Field

“I entered the transfer portal mid season because I believe my ceiling is significantly higher in track than it was in tennis. I only began running track my senior year of high school and didn’t compete in the 800m until midway through the season. This was only for about a month, so I’m still early in my development.

I’m looking for a program with a coach who is fully committed to their athletes and a team culture that pushes each other daily. As a Texas native, I’d love to compete in-state, but definitely not opposed to training at altitude.” -Ford Elizondo

BY CHRIS CABRET