Sonny Dykes took to the mic at Big 12 Media Days and emphasized the culture at TCU. Could this be the year it finally pays off for the Horned Frogs?
Big 12 Media Days wrapped up on Wednesday with the final eight schools getting a chance to hit the podium. TCU was one of these that got the last word, as the Horned Frogs made the short trip from Fort Worth to Frisco.
Head coach Sonny Dykes began his moment in the spotlight with a message on the current state of college athletics, especially football, and his optimism for the future in what many view a dark age.
"College football is the greatest game in the world. There's some challenges right now inside our industry, but at the end of the day the kids are better than they've ever been," remarked Dykes.
"They work harder, they're more unselfish. They understand the responsibility that comes with being a football player. We're fortunate to all be a part of it."
READ MORE: TCU Run Game Gets Jeremy Payne Warning Shot
While the challenges Dykes was referring to certainly pertain more to off the field issues, TCU has been no stranger to tough times of its own as of late.
Dykes is entering his fifth season at the helm of the Horned Frogs after being brought in ahead of the 2022 season to replace longtime and iconic head coach Gary Patterson.
That ensuing debut season needs no further introduction. But for those needing a brief refresher, TCU went on to boast a 13-2 record and made it all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game before the clock struck midnight on the magical run.
Initially, it seemed to validate the move to bring in Dykes and set expectations high in Fort Worth, even if most of that incredible roster headed out the next year.
What followed was a string of disappointing seasons that saw TCU fade out of the forefront and back to the middle of the pack in the Big 12 after finally reemerging as a serious contender.
Dykes is still winning and many programs would take the nine victories TCU has been reaching in a heartbeat, but at what point does he return to the success seen in his opening act?
That answer was not directly said by Dykes, however, his comments made about the culture being developed at TCU and the more veteran-heavy focus of the program, especially with Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig, made it clear he believes it can be sooner rather than later.
The Horned Frogs have their work cut out for them this season, beginning with an international game in Ireland against North Carolina, who they throttled in Chapel Hill to open last year's slate.
Add in dates with the two Big 12 Championship Game participants from a year ago in Texas Tech and BYU and TCU will have earned its spot if it can ascend to the top. Who knows how it will turn out, after all, who thought that squad in 2022 would go on to accomplish all the things they did.
No one is paying close attention once again and maybe that is when the Horned Frogs are at their best.
