Sonny Dykes returns for his fifth season after TCU finished 9-4 overall and 5-4 in Big 12 play in 2025, including an Alamo Bowl victory. Gordon Sammis takes over as offensive coordinator, while the Horned Frogs will have a new starting quarterback following Josh Hoover’s transfer to Indiana. Harvard transfer Jaden Craig joins the program at quarterback. Jeremy Payne returns at running back after averaging 57 rushing yards per game last season following Kevorian Barnes’ departure. TCU must replace leading receiver Eric McAllister, but Jordan Dwyer returns after making 54 catches last season. Ed Small also returns, while South Alabama transfer Jeremy Scott joins the receiving corps. The offensive line returns full-time starters Ben Taylor-Whitfield and Cade Bennett after making 13 and 10 starts, respectively. Ryan Hughes also returns after making six starts, while Oklahoma State transfer Noah McKinney and Cooper Power provide additional experience up front.

Andy Avalos returns as defensive coordinator with TCU bringing back five of its top eleven tacklers from last season. The defensive line returns full-time starters Markis Deal and Ansel Din-Mbuh after making 13 and 12 starts, respectively, while Zachary Chapman adds significant experience after making nine and Paul Oyewale provides additional returning experience. The secondary returns Jamel Johnson and Vernon Glover after each making 13 starts. TCU will feature new contributors at linebacker following the departures of Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Namdi Obiazor, with Max Carroll returning and Virginia Tech transfer Michael Short joining the group.

Nate McCashland and Kyle Lemmermann return at placekicker after combining to make 12 of 15 field-goal attempts last season. Louisiana Tech transfer John Hoyet Chance takes over at punter after averaging 47.3 yards per punt in 2025 and earning a spot on the 2026 Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List. Jordan Dwyer, Major Everhart, and Ed Small provide experience in the return game. TCU enters 2026 with a new quarterback but returns considerable experience at several other positions. The Horned Frogs have two full-time starters back along the offensive line, an experienced defensive front and two 13-game starters in the secondary, while linebacker represents one of the roster’s biggest areas of turnover.