TCU enters fall camp with a new quarterback, a rebuilt offense and major leadership questions before its Week 0 showdown with North Carolina in Ireland.
FORT WORTH - TCU football enters the 2026 season with no time for a slow start and no room for wasted practices.
Fall camp will determine whether the Horned Frogs are legitimate Big 12 contenders or another talented team stuck outside the conference championship game.
With Jaden Craig taking over at quarterback, Gordon Sammis installing a new offense and North Carolina waiting in Ireland for a Week 0 showdown, Sonny Dykes needs answers quickly.
The most important battles begin on the offensive line.
Ryan Hughes is attempting to reclaim the left tackle job after a lower-body injury ended his 2025 season, but Witten Van Hoy strengthened his case with an impressive spring.
At center, returning lineman Cooper Powers is competing with transfer Jaheim Buchanon.
Neither competition feels like a desperate search for a capable starter. TCU believes it has multiple playable options, and the staff’s willingness to rotate linemen could keep both battles relevant deep into the season.
Linebacker is less settled. Max Carroll appears positioned for a major role, but Michael Short, Michael Teason and Hudson Hooper are fighting to determine who joins him.
Jacob Fields could also force his way into the safety rotation after flashing during spring workouts.
The bigger mystery is what Sammis’ offense will actually become.
TCU has hinted at more physical running concepts, pulling guards and multiple-tight-end formations.
Jeremy Payne gives the Frogs an established weapon in the backfield, while the offensive staff believes it can lean on its depth at running back and tight end.
Craig remains the wild card.
He improved as spring practice progressed, but now he must prove he can operate at Power Four speed.
His ability to protect the football, extend plays with his legs and build chemistry with an unproven receiver group could decide whether the offense becomes balanced or painfully predictable.
Defensively, TCU must replace more than tackles and interceptions. It must replace the authority previously provided by Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Bud Clark.
Jamel Johnson and Carroll emerged as natural voices during the spring, while Ansel Din-Mbuh and Markis Deal provide veteran leadership up front.
Vernon Glover and Virginia Tech transfer Michael Short also have opportunities to become louder presences within their position rooms.
That leadership can’t be manufactured after the season begins.
By the time TCU leaves for Ireland, the Horned Frogs must know who protects Craig, who controls the middle of the defense and who takes charge when momentum turns against them.
The roster appears deep enough to reach Arlington. Fall camp will reveal whether it’s tough enough.
