Dykes strategically rebuilt TCU’s roster, adding experienced linemen and proven playmakers to address weaknesses and elevate the 2026 season.
Sonny Dykes didn’t just attack the transfer portal; he attacked it like a shopper on Black Friday.
When the dust settled, TCU Horned Frogs emerged with 12 new additions - not flashy for flash’s sake, but targeted reinforcements designed to fix real problems and raise the ceiling heading into the 2026 season.
This wasn’t a rebuild. This was a recalibration.
The offensive line was priority No. 1, and TCU treated it that way. Multiple veteran interior linemen arrived with experience, versatility, and something the Frogs sorely needed at times last season: stability.
One of the new big bodies has allowed barely a whiff of pressure the last two years. Another arrives as a former portal No. 1 overall player.
Quarterback was next. TCU didn’t chase hype; it chased production.
The new signal-caller shows up with thousands of career passing yards, postseason experience, and the calm demeanor of someone who doesn’t panic when the pocket collapses.
That doesn’t guarantee the starting job, but it guarantees competition. And competition is how good teams stay good.
The skill positions got faster. A lot faster. One incoming wideout averaged nearly 18 yards per catch and specializes in doing that thing defensive backs hate most: running past them.
He joins a wide-open receiver room where opportunity is real and reps will be earned, not handed out.
Defensively, the Frogs focused on two things: replacing leadership and injecting disruption.
The secondary took a big step forward with multiple defensive backs who have actually played meaningful snaps - not just “potential,” but real film against real opponents.
One arrives with conference defensive honors and a knack for finding the football. Another brings length and versatility to a unit that lost several veteran voices.
At linebacker and edge, the theme was athleticism and upside. These aren’t finished products - they’re moldable, explosive pieces that fit what Andy Avalos wants to do defensively.
One edge rusher arrives raw but intriguing, another with enough experience to push immediately.
Even special teams got attention, because winning the hidden-yardage battle still matters - especially in the Big 12.
The common thread across all 12 additions? Intent.
TCU didn’t just add players. It added answers.
Now comes the hard part: blending it all together. But on paper - and in practice reps soon enough - this looks like a roster built to compete, not coast.
And that’s exactly how Sonny Dykes likes it.