Bud Clark and Kaleb Elarms-Orr headline TCU’s 2026 NFL Draft class, with Eric McAlister also giving the Horned Frogs a strong late-round option.
The TCU Horned Frogs are expected to have multiple names in the mix at the 2026 NFL Draft, and the spotlight starts with Bud Clark and Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
For TCU football, draft weekend is more than a celebration of individual success. It’s also another chance for the program to show recruits that Fort Worth remains a real pathway to the NFL.
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Clark looks like the safest bet to come off the board first among former Frogs.
The veteran safety built a reputation at TCU as a playmaker with timing, instincts and a knack for changing games in a hurry.
His most unforgettable moment came in the Fiesta Bowl, when his interception return for a touchdown helped spark the Horned Frogs in a massive postseason win over Michigan. That kind of ball production still carries weight with NFL evaluators, and Clark’s experience in big moments only strengthens his case.
Even if he doesn’t hear his name called on the opening night, landing somewhere in the second or third round feels realistic.
Elarms-Orr has also made a serious move up draft boards.
The linebacker turned in a huge final season, leading TCU with 130 tackles while adding four sacks. Those numbers tell the story of a defender who can chase plays across the field and still make an impact near the line of scrimmage.
His strong postseason and all-star circuit helped create even more buzz, and that could put him squarely in play as one of the more appealing mid-round linebacker options.
Beyond those two, Eric McAlister stands out as a player who could hear his name called later in the draft.
The wide receiver brings outside speed and big-play ability, traits that should attract teams looking for depth and upside on Day 3. Namdi Obiazor and DJ Rogers are also names worth monitoring.
For TCU, every draft pick matters. It reinforces the program’s credibility, boosts recruiting and reminds everyone that the Horned Frogs are still producing NFL talent at multiple positions.
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