Horned Frogs sprint to AP Top 25 finish, proving Sonny Dykes' resurgent program is built to last, not just rebuild.
TCU didn’t just finish the season with wins; it finished with validation.
When the final Associated Press Top 25 poll dropped Tuesday, the Horned Frogs found their way back into the rankings, landing at No. 25 and cementing what has quietly become one of the more stable rebuilds in college football.
It marked the first time since 2022, and only the third time since 2017, that TCU ended a season ranked, a reminder that this program has found its footing again.
Under Sonny Dykes, consistency is no longer a buzzword; it’s a pattern.
Back-to-back nine-win seasons don’t happen by accident, especially in the modern Big 12 landscape, and Dykes’ early tenure has rewritten portions of the program’s history book.
His win total through four seasons ranks among the best starts any TCU coach has ever produced ... a signal that the foundation is sturdier than outsiders might assume.
What made this finish resonate was how TCU closed.
The Frogs didn’t limp to the finish line; they sprinted. A late-season road win over a ranked Houston team, a decisive statement against Cincinnati, and a bowl victory over a ranked USC squad gave the resume both shine and substance.
When the lights were brightest, TCU looked confident, prepared, and opportunistic.
The Alamo Bowl served as the exclamation point. Offensive fireworks, defensive takeaways, and a roster that looked like it was enjoying itself reminded fans why postseason wins matter beyond the trophy.
The strong finish to last year fuels belief heading into the offseason. And belief matters as TCU turns the page.
The 2026 season will bring noticeable changes.
A new voice in the weight room and a new offensive coordinator signal evolution rather than overhaul. That’s a key distinction.
Programs that sustain success tweak systems; they don’t burn them down. Dykes appears intent on refining what works while modernizing the details.
The opener alone underscores that confidence.
Launching the season overseas against North Carolina isn’t a gimmick; it's an opportunity for a statement. Programs unsure of themselves don’t volunteer for international spotlights. Programs with momentum do.
The Horned Frogs have reestablished credibility, stacked wins against quality opponents, and proven they can close strong. The next step is obvious ... turning ranked finishes into preseason expectations.
And for the first time in a while, that feels realistic in Fort Worth.