TCU climbed to No. 31 in future power rankings as Sonny Dykes reloads around Jaden Craig, stronger trenches and a defense built to contend.
TCU football is starting to look dangerous again, and the Horned Frogs’ rise to No. 31 in the latest college football future power rankings says plenty about where Sonny Dykes has this program headed.
This isn’t a perfect roster. It’s not a finished product.
But in the new version of college football, where the transfer portal can change a depth chart overnight, TCU has done enough to look like a real Big 12 factor through the 2027 season.
The biggest swing comes at quarterback.
Josh Hoover is gone after transferring to Indiana, which would’ve been a massive blow if TCU didn’t already have a fascinating replacement plan.
Enter Jaden Craig, the Harvard transfer with 24 career starts, 63 total touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. Craig isn’t some mystery lottery ticket. He’s a proven winner, a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist and a legitimate NFL Draft prospect.
Now comes the hard part: proving that Ivy League production can travel into Power 4 football.
Craig only has one year of eligibility, so the longer-term spotlight shifts toward Adam Schobel, the four-star quarterback from the 2025 class who could be the bridge into 2027.
That gives TCU a short-term answer and a developmental plan, which matters in today’s chaos.
The trenches may be the real reason for optimism. Defensively, TCU has a chance to be nasty up front if edge rushers Zach Chapman and Paul Oyewale make another jump.
Inside, Ansel Din-Mbuh and Markis Deal give the Frogs one of the better interior duos in the Big 12, while Tristan Johnson and Western Kentucky transfer Koron Hayward add depth and future value.
The offensive line also looks sturdier than it has in recent years. Ben Taylor-Whitfield, Cade Bennett and Ryan Hughes bring experience, while transfers Noah McKinney from Oklahoma State and Jaheim Buchanon from Florida International should help stabilize the interior.
TCU also has star power on defense.
Safety Jamel Johnson returns after a huge 2025 season with 96 tackles and five interceptions.
Louisiana Tech transfer Jacob Fields brings more playmaking after posting 92 tackles, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
The offense still needs more weapons around Jordan Dwyer, who caught 54 passes for 730 yards and seven touchdowns last season. But with new coordinator Gordon Sammis reshaping the system, TCU has a chance to get creative fast.
The Frogs aren’t back in championship mode yet. But they’re close enough to make the Big 12 nervous.
