The Horned Frogs won six of their last seven last season behind the consistent arm of Josh Hoover and an improving defense. Hoover is back, albeit surrounded by a new cast of wide receivers after losing Jack Bech, JP Richardson, and Savion Williams to the NFL. Finding a run game to provide balance is a top priority for a TCU squad hoping to take some pressure off Hoover’s right arm.

Linebacker Namdi Obiazor and safety Bud Clark return to lead a defense that must improve against the run in Year 2 under coordinator Andy Avalos. It’s an important Year 4 for Sonny Dykes.

TCU HORNED FROGS 

2024 record: 9-4

Overview

If you’re wondering why the hype train remains in the station for TCU despite returning quarterback Josh Hoover and a host of talented Frogs, go look at the schedule. They play at North Carolina and against SMU in non-conference then start the Big 12 gauntlet on the road against Arizona State. TCU also plays on the road at Kansas State and BYU. A tough home slate includes Baylor and Iowa State. 

Biggest Game – Sept. 20 vs SMU 

The final scheduled installment of the Iron Skillet is crucial for the Horned Frogs after TCU was embarrassed while giving up 66 points in a loss last year against SMU. Head coach Sonny Dykes was ejected during the blowout loss in front of a rabid SMU crowd. This rivalry will continue on social media and in recruiting so the winner gets bragging rights for years. SMU has won three of the last five after TCU dominated the series for decades.  

Trap Game – Oct. 25 at West Virginia 

TCU begins a six-game stretch without an open date on Sept. 20, which will dictate the outcome of its season. That journey includes games against Big 12 contenders Arizona State, Kansas State, and Baylor. It concludes with a trip to West Virginia against Rich Rodriguez’s Mountaineers.

Upset Bid – Oct. 11 at Kansas State 

TCU won’t be heavy underdogs against any of its 2025 opponents, but Big 12 road games against fellow contenders Arizona State and Kansas State provide the Horned Frogs a chance to leap into the top of the league by mid-October. Run-heavy teams like Kansas State hurt TCU last year.  

Can’t Lose – Sept. 1 at North Carolina

The Frogs famously hosted Colorado two years ago when Deion Sanders made his FBS debut as a head coach in what turned out to be Travis Hunter’s coming out party. That loss stung and arguably derailed the entire 2023 season in Week 1. Similarly, TCU welcomes NFL legend Bill Belichick to major college football when the Frogs travel to Chapel Hill on Labor Day. All eyes will be on this game to see how the NFL GOAT starts his tenure at North Carolina. 

Most Important Stretch – Sept. 26 – Oct. 18

Three of TCU’s first four Big 12 games are against bona fide conference champion contenders. That starts with a trip to Arizona State on Sept. 26, and includes a road game against Kansas State and a home date with Baylor. Colorado comes back to Fort Worth for the first time since the 2023 game during this stretch, as well. Go 3-1 over the month and TCU is in the Big 12 hunt. 

Full Schedule

Sept. 1                  at North Carolina          
Sept. 13               Abilene Christian          
Sept. 20               SMU                        
Sept. 26               at Arizona State              
Oct. 4                     Colorado            
Oct. 11                 at Kansas State              
Oct. 18                 Baylor                    
Oct. 25                 at West Virginia              
Nov. 8                    Iowa State         
Nov. 15                 at BYU                   
Nov. 22                 at Houston        
Nov. 29                 Cincinnati