TCU capped off its season with a thrilling overtime win in the Valero Alamo Bowl, and while the confetti was still falling, head coach Sonny Dykes was already looking ahead. The 2026 season opener will take the Horned Frogs across the Atlantic to face North Carolina in Ireland, but before that, there’s a long offseason filled with big decisions, new faces, and plenty of roster reshuffling.
And make no mistake - this is going to be a very different TCU team.
Major Departures on Both Sides of the Ball
The Frogs are saying goodbye to a significant chunk of their starting lineup. Thirteen Alamo Bowl starters - spread across offense and defense - are headed out the door, whether it’s to the NFL Draft, the transfer portal, or graduation. That list includes standout wide receiver Eric McAlister, disruptive defensive end Devean Deal, and veteran defensive back Bud Clark.
They’re also losing two major pieces from the offensive brain trust and the quarterback room. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles is off to South Carolina, and quarterback Josh Hoover, who started in the bowl game, entered the transfer portal back on December 18.
That’s not just turnover - that’s a reset.
New OC, New Direction?
To fill the void at offensive coordinator, TCU hired Gordon Sammis from UConn on December 13. Sammis brings with him a reputation for building efficient, aggressive offenses.
At UConn, his unit finished in the top 20 nationally in fewest sacks allowed and showed real firepower through the air - averaging over 300 passing yards per game with just one interception all season. That kind of ball security and vertical threat is exactly what TCU needs as they retool.
Dykes’ Blueprint: Retain, Reload, Rebuild
“The biggest thing is to hold onto the players we’ve got. That’s where it begins,” Dykes said. “Then we’ve got to go address some needs in the transfer portal.”
That process starts almost immediately. TCU plans to begin hosting transfer visits on January 3, and with the portal officially reopening on January 2, the Frogs are poised to be active.
The early returns are already promising - offensive lineman Noah McKinney has committed to TCU, bringing experience and versatility to a line that will need both. This will be McKinney’s third stop, having previously played at UNLV and Oklahoma State.
He was able to commit early following the firing of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy.
A Strong Recruiting Class Sets the Foundation
Despite the roster churn, TCU pulled together a solid recruiting class. Ranked inside the top 35 nationally and top five in the Big 12, the Frogs signed four four-star recruits and 23 three-star prospects.
It’s not just about filling spots - it’s about building a pipeline. And with the way Dykes has developed talent in the past, don’t be surprised if some of these newcomers make an impact sooner rather than later.
Familiar Faces Returning
Not everything is changing in Fort Worth. One key name returning is running back Jeremy Payne, who led the team in rushing this season with 623 yards and sealed the Alamo Bowl victory with the game-winning score against USC.
There’s also reason to be excited about the next wave of wideouts. Terry Shelton and Ed Small didn’t see a ton of action this year, but when they did, they made it count.
Small posted a 100-yard game against Kansas State, while Shelton hauled in a clutch 22-yard grab over a USC defender in the bowl game. Both are poised for bigger roles in 2026.
Building Momentum - and a Message
Dykes isn’t shy about where he wants this program to go.
“I want to be in the playoff every year and we’re going to work our tails off to get there,” he said. “(The Alamo Bowl) does give us a lot of momentum and gives us confidence. Bunch of people probably watched this game and it was a great look for TCU football and left an impression on recruits.”
That win wasn’t just about ending the season on a high note - it was about sending a message. TCU still belongs in the national conversation. And with the expanded playoff format on the horizon, there’s a real path forward for a program that just a couple seasons ago took down Michigan in the College Football Playoff.
Dykes also emphasized the importance of the Big 12 showing up in bowl season and in the playoff. For him, TCU’s past and the recent success of fellow conference member Texas Tech are proof that the Big 12 deserves national respect.
The Road Ahead
With a revamped coaching staff, fresh faces on the field, and a trip to Ireland to kick off 2026, TCU is entering a new chapter. The roster may look different, but the mission remains the same: compete at the highest level, make noise in the Big 12, and push for a playoff berth.
The Alamo Bowl win was a statement. Now the question is: can the Frogs turn that momentum into a full-on resurgence?
We’ll start to find out on Irish soil next fall.