TCU’s Special Teams Could Become Its 2026 Secret Weapon

TCU special teams might be the Horned Frogs’ most overlooked weapon entering the 2026 college football season.

While most of the attention will fall on the quarterback competition, offensive playmakers and defensive changes, Sonny Dykes has quietly assembled a special-teams unit capable of stealing field position, and potentially a few victories.

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It starts with a luxury most programs don’t have ... two kickers who’ve already delivered in meaningful games.

Kyle Lemmermann returns after a leg injury wiped out nearly all of his 2025 season. Before going down following TCU’s opening win over North Carolina, Lemmermann had converted all three of his field-goal attempts.

He also produced one of the previous season’s biggest moments by drilling the game-tying kick that forced overtime in the Alamo Bowl.

Lemmermann’s absence could’ve created a disaster. Instead, Nate McCashland turned it into an audition.

McCashland made 9 of 12 field goals, connected from as far as 41 yards and converted all 42 of his extra-point attempts. He also handled kickoffs and earned conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his performance against West Virginia.

Now Dykes has a legitimate competition instead of a question mark.

The biggest newcomer may be Louisiana Tech transfer John Hoyet Chance, who’s expected to replace two-year starting punter Ethan Craw.

Chance averaged an impressive 47.2 yards per punt last season, launched a career-long 72-yarder and dropped 28 of his 66 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

That’s not merely punting. That’s field-position theft.

Chance also handled 64 kickoffs for the Bulldogs and produced 57 touchbacks, giving TCU another experienced option in the kickoff game.

Easton Black returns after serving as the Horned Frogs’ holder, while Aaron Bowers and highly regarded prospect Will Terry provide options at long snapper.

TCU’s return game could be just as dangerous.

Jordan Dwyer led the team in punt returns and return yardage in 2025. Major Everhart paced the Horned Frogs in kickoff returns, while Ed Small gained experience at both spots. Jordyn Bailey’s transfer creates available opportunities, but TCU isn’t starting over.

Special teams rarely generate preseason hype. They become important when a conference game is tied in the fourth quarter, an offense stalls near midfield or one explosive return changes the afternoon.

TCU appears built for those moments.

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The Horned Frogs don’t just have specialists. They have competition, experience and several players who’ve already performed under pressure.

That could make special teams the difference between another decent season and a serious Big 12 championship run.