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TCU football doesn’t have the luxury of easing into the 2026 season.
The Horned Frogs will open against North Carolina in Ireland, meaning Sonny Dykes’ team must solve its biggest questions before most programs have finished unpacking their fall camp equipment.
MORE: TCU’s Biggest Offseason Wins Could Reshape Its 2026 Season
The pressure is obvious. TCU has a new quarterback, a new offensive coordinator and several defensive leaders to replace.
If the Frogs want to return to Arlington and challenge for a Big 12 championship, the foundation must be built immediately.
The offensive line will command plenty of attention.
Ryan Hughes is attempting to reclaim the left tackle job after a lower-body injury ended his 2025 season, but Witten Van Hoy used the spring to make the competition legitimate.
Neither choice should be viewed as a major concern. The real challenge will be identifying which player gives new quarterback Jaden Craig the most reliable protection.
Center is also unsettled, with transfer Jaheim Buchanon competing against Cooper Powers. TCU traditionally rotates linemen to keep the group fresh, so both players should have roles even after a starter emerges.
The more fascinating storyline may be Gordon Sammis’ offense.
TCU showed only pieces of its new identity during the spring. Jeremy Payne was limited, Jon Denman didn’t participate and Craig was still adjusting to Power Four speed.
With the roster healthier, the Frogs can finally begin installing the physical attack Sammis has promised.
Expect heavier formations, two-tight-end packages, pulling guards and a greater commitment to the running game.
That approach fits a roster featuring a strong backfield and talented tight ends, while also easing the pressure on an unproven receiver room.
Craig’s development will determine whether the plan works. He protects the football, can create with his legs and reportedly became more comfortable as spring practices progressed.
If the running game forces defenses to crowd the box, Craig should have opportunities to attack favorable coverages without being asked to carry the offense alone.
TCU’s defense faces a different challenge: replacing the personalities who set its identity.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Bud Clark are gone, leaving Jamel Johnson and Max Carroll as natural candidates to become the unit’s new voices.
Veterans Ansel Din-Mbuh and Markis Deal provide stability along a defensive line that returns its core, while Vernon Glover and Virginia Tech transfer Michael Short could also emerge as influential leaders.
The Horned Frogs appear to have legitimate depth. That’s a welcome change from camps spent desperately searching for 11 dependable starters.
MORE: TCU’s Linebacker Room Is the Defense’s Biggest 2026 Gamble
Now TCU must turn that depth into answers.
By the time the Frogs board their flight to Ireland, they’ll know whether they’ve built a Big 12 contender or another talented team still waiting to break through.
Continue reading...
The Horned Frogs will open against North Carolina in Ireland, meaning Sonny Dykes’ team must solve its biggest questions before most programs have finished unpacking their fall camp equipment.
MORE: TCU’s Biggest Offseason Wins Could Reshape Its 2026 Season
The pressure is obvious. TCU has a new quarterback, a new offensive coordinator and several defensive leaders to replace.
If the Frogs want to return to Arlington and challenge for a Big 12 championship, the foundation must be built immediately.
The offensive line will command plenty of attention.
Ryan Hughes is attempting to reclaim the left tackle job after a lower-body injury ended his 2025 season, but Witten Van Hoy used the spring to make the competition legitimate.
Neither choice should be viewed as a major concern. The real challenge will be identifying which player gives new quarterback Jaden Craig the most reliable protection.
Center is also unsettled, with transfer Jaheim Buchanon competing against Cooper Powers. TCU traditionally rotates linemen to keep the group fresh, so both players should have roles even after a starter emerges.
The more fascinating storyline may be Gordon Sammis’ offense.
TCU showed only pieces of its new identity during the spring. Jeremy Payne was limited, Jon Denman didn’t participate and Craig was still adjusting to Power Four speed.
With the roster healthier, the Frogs can finally begin installing the physical attack Sammis has promised.
Expect heavier formations, two-tight-end packages, pulling guards and a greater commitment to the running game.
That approach fits a roster featuring a strong backfield and talented tight ends, while also easing the pressure on an unproven receiver room.
Craig’s development will determine whether the plan works. He protects the football, can create with his legs and reportedly became more comfortable as spring practices progressed.
If the running game forces defenses to crowd the box, Craig should have opportunities to attack favorable coverages without being asked to carry the offense alone.
TCU’s defense faces a different challenge: replacing the personalities who set its identity.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Bud Clark are gone, leaving Jamel Johnson and Max Carroll as natural candidates to become the unit’s new voices.
Veterans Ansel Din-Mbuh and Markis Deal provide stability along a defensive line that returns its core, while Vernon Glover and Virginia Tech transfer Michael Short could also emerge as influential leaders.
The Horned Frogs appear to have legitimate depth. That’s a welcome change from camps spent desperately searching for 11 dependable starters.
MORE: TCU’s Linebacker Room Is the Defense’s Biggest 2026 Gamble
Now TCU must turn that depth into answers.
By the time the Frogs board their flight to Ireland, they’ll know whether they’ve built a Big 12 contender or another talented team still waiting to break through.
Continue reading...
