TCU’s defense controlled Day 2 of fall camp, but quarterback Jaden Craig’s poise and arm talent offered Sonny Dykes an encouraging glimpse of 2026.
FORT WORTH - TCU football isn’t easing into the 2026 season. With a Week 0 opener accelerating the calendar, Sonny Dykes’ Horned Frogs are already practicing with urgency, and the defense has wasted no time setting a nasty tone.
Through two fall camp practices, TCU’s defensive unit has consistently controlled the action. Andy Avalos’ group is winning matchups at the line of scrimmage, disrupting the passing game and flying to the football at every level.
Practice No. 2 was especially chaotic.
After TCU opened camp without committing a turnover, the defense responded with several interceptions and forced fumbles during the second session.
The secondary repeatedly jumped routes and punished mistakes, although none of those interceptions came against new starting quarterback Jaden Craig.
That distinction matters.
Craig entered camp as one of TCU’s biggest questions after replacing the previous starter and beginning his first season under new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis. Early returns suggest the game is beginning to slow down for him.
Craig’s arm strength has been impossible to miss. The ball explodes out of his hand, and he’s showing the confidence to challenge tight windows without becoming reckless.
More importantly, he hasn’t turned the ball over through two practices.
He’s also making smarter decisions when plays break down, choosing when to scramble instead of forcing throws into coverage.
That combination of aggressiveness and restraint is exactly what TCU needs from its new quarterback.
The offense remains early in its transition. Sammis estimated that roughly half of his scheme has been installed, with the goal of having enough ready by the fifth practice to operate comfortably in a game setting.
There have still been encouraging flashes.
The offensive line opened several running lanes in the zone game for Jeremy Payne, who showed the burst to hit those creases quickly.
Cooper Powers received first-team work at center, while Witten Van Hoy took snaps with the starters at right tackle.
Full pads will reveal far more about both linemen, but the early rotation suggests those competitions are already taking shape.
TCU is coming off consecutive nine-win seasons, yet the expectation in Fort Worth is no longer simply to remain competitive.
Dykes has built a program that should expect to contend for Big 12 championships.
The Horned Frogs aren’t obsessing over December yet. They’re focused on eliminating the careless mistakes that have prevented good TCU teams from becoming great ones.
Two practices won’t define a season. But the defense looks fast, Craig looks composed and the entire roster appears sharper.
For a program facing a pivotal year, that’s a strong place to start.
