TCU Remains Unranked Despite Dominating Baylor In Revivalry Win

FORT WORTH - TCU finally gave its fans something to celebrate Saturday night, but the Horned Frogs still have plenty of work ahead before returning to the national college football rankings.

Despite a convincing 17-6 victory over Baylor at McLane Stadium, TCU remained outside Sunday's Associated Press Top 25, a predictable result for a program still recovering from a disappointing start to Big 12 play.

MORE: TCU Defense Smothers Baylor In 17-6 Revivalry Victory

The Horned Frogs improved to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference competition, snapping their two-game losing streak while extending their Revivalry winning streak against Baylor to two games.

For head coach Sonny Dykes, the victory provided something far more important than immediate recognition from poll voters.

It offered evidence that TCU's defense might finally be capable of carrying the team.

The Horned Frogs held Baylor without a touchdown, marking the first time TCU accomplished that feat against a Big 12 opponent since facing Texas Tech in 2017.

Defensive standout Koron Hayward recorded three sacks, becoming the first TCU player since 2022 to reach that number in a single game.

Jamel Johnson added an interception, while the Frogs forced two fourth-quarter turnovers on downs to eliminate Baylor's comeback opportunities.

Bears quarterback DJ Lagway completed just 22 of 53 attempts, finishing with a miserable 41.5 percent completion rate.

Offensively, TCU quarterback Jaden Craig threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer contributed 150 receiving yards, while Ed Small added seven catches for 91 yards and a score.

The performance wasn't flawless.

TCU struggled to establish its rushing attack, finishing with just 33 yards on the ground, and surrendered four sacks.

Those offensive deficiencies remain significant concerns as the Horned Frogs prepare for the remainder of their Big 12 schedule.

But winning a rivalry game on the road is an important step toward rebuilding momentum.

Meanwhile, the conference's national profile continues to improve.

BYU climbed to No. 2 in Sunday's rankings after upsetting Notre Dame, while undefeated Texas Tech moved to No. 8.

Utah sits 10th, Houston climbed to 14th and Arizona entered the rankings at No. 25.

That gives the Big 12 five nationally ranked programs.

TCU isn't among them, and at .500 overall, the Horned Frogs haven't earned the benefit of the doubt.

Still, Saturday's victory provides an opportunity to begin changing that perception.

The Horned Frogs return to Amon G. Carter Stadium next Saturday to face West Virginia, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2.

MORE: TCU Gets the Best of Baylor 17-6 in Bounce-Back Rivalry Win

A victory would put TCU above .500 for the first time since its opening two games and provide another opportunity to demonstrate meaningful improvement.

The Horned Frogs aren't ready to rejoin the Top 25 conversation just yet. But if Saturday's defense becomes the standard instead of the exception, TCU could still make some noise in the Big 12.