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, and the Horned Frogs have a new starting quarterback after Josh Hoover transferred to Indiana. Harvard transfer Jaden Craig assumes the starting role. 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. Update (Sept. 22): WR Jordan Dwyer has missed the first three games with a foot injury but is expected to return for the Big 12 opener against UCF. Ed Small also returns, while South Alabama transfer Jeremy Scott joins the receiving corps. The offensive line brings back full-time starters Ben Taylor-Whitfield and Cade Bennett, who made 13 and 10 starts, respectively, along with Ryan Hughes, who made six starts. Oklahoma State transfer Noah McKinney and Cooper Power provide additional experience up front.

Andy Avalos returns as defensive coordinator, and TCU brings back five of its top eleven tacklers from last season. The defensive line retains full-time starters Markis Deal and Ansel Din-Mbuh, who made 13 and 12 starts, respectively. Zachary Chapman adds significant experience after making nine starts, and Paul Oyewale provides additional returning experience. The secondary also brings back Jamel Johnson and Vernon Glover, who each made 13 starts. TCU features 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 experience at several other positions, including two full-time starters along the offensive line, an experienced defensive front, and two 13-game starters in the secondary. Linebacker remains one of the roster’s biggest areas of turnover.