Signed by the Buccaneers as a college free agent on May 9, 2026.
Appeared in 48 career games over five seasons with North Carolina State University (2021-25), recording 252 total tackles (18.0 for loss), six passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Started all 13 games in 2025, leading all Power Four linebackers with 143 tackles (10.5 for loss), five passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Earned first-team All-ACC honors and second-team All-America recognition from The Sporting News.
Was named a semifinalist for the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Award after returning from a knee injury suffered in 2024.
Started the first six games of the 2024 season before suffering a season- ending injury, recording 48 tackles (5.0 tackles for loss), two passes defensed, 1.0 sack and one fumble recovery. He led the ACC in tackles at the time of his injury.
Appeared in all 13 games with two starts in 2023, totaling 53 tackles (4.0 for loss) and one pass defensed.
Played in 13 games in 2022, accruing five total tackles during his redshirt freshman season, mainly serving on special teams.
Saw action in three games as a true freshman, recording three tackles before redshirting the remainder of the season.
Attended The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla.
Three-year varsity starter at linebacker.
His father, Tom Fordham, was a four-year letterman offensive lineman at Florida State University and played in the NFL for 10 years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. Majored in communications.
