From Edgewater to NC State and now Sam Houston, the Orlando native is proving that sometimes all a player needs is an opportunity to showcase his talent.

By ESOne Sports Staff | November 11, 2026

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Sometimes the difference between being overlooked and becoming a difference-maker is one simple thing: opportunity.

For former Orlando Edgewater standout Josh Alexander-Felton, that opportunity has arrived at Sam Houston, and the former NC State defensive end is making the most of it.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 265 pounds, Alexander-Felton has emerged as one of the Bearkats’ most productive defensive players during the 2026 season. Through nine games, the junior has recorded 25 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, leading Sam Houston in both sacks and tackles for loss.

His production has been particularly impressive considering the struggles surrounding the program.

Sam Houston currently sits at 1-8, and the university dismissed head coach Phil Longo on October 28 following a 1-7 start. Despite the disappointing season, Alexander-Felton has continued to provide a bright spot along the defensive front.

His performance against Missouri State on October 27 demonstrated exactly what he brings to the field. Alexander-Felton finished with seven tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks, consistently disrupting the opposing offense.

The Talent Was Always There

Those familiar with Alexander-Felton’s game know his production shouldn’t come as a surprise.

During his senior season at Edgewater High School, he registered 80 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and four sacks while earning first-team all-district and all-metro recognition.

His combination of size, explosiveness and athletic ability made him an intriguing defensive prospect. He displays an impressive first-step burst, quick hands and the flexibility to bend around the corner when rushing the quarterback.

After signing with NC State, however, opportunities to showcase those abilities were limited.

Alexander-Felton appeared in three games during the 2024 season before seeing action in just one game in 2025.

Now at Sam Houston, he is showing what consistent playing opportunities can produce.

Opportunity Still Matters in Today’s College Football

College football has changed dramatically with the transfer portal and NIL reshaping roster decisions across the country.

Programs are constantly bringing in new talent, creating competition for playing time. But the changing landscape also raises an important question: How many talented players are waiting for an opportunity while programs continue searching for the next addition?

NIL investment, recruiting rankings and transfer-portal expectations can influence how programs build their rosters, but ultimately, production on the football field must matter.

Alexander-Felton’s journey is a reminder that limited playing time doesn’t necessarily mean limited ability. Sometimes a different environment and a larger role can reveal what a player has been capable of all along.

For Alexander-Felton, the opportunity at Sam Houston has provided a platform to establish himself, regardless of the team’s record.

And while the Bearkats continue working through a difficult season and coaching transition, the former Edgewater standout is building something of his own.

Because sometimes the talent was never the question. The opportunity was.