TCU Eyes Experienced Quarterbacks in Transfer Portal After Josh Hoover’s Departure
With Josh Hoover announcing his departure, TCU football finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The Horned Frogs now face the challenge of replacing a starting quarterback who logged valuable reps last season.
But if there’s one thing head coach Sonny Dykes made clear-it’s that TCU isn’t looking to hit the reset button. They’re looking to reload.
“We’re going to bring in a quarterback that has experience and has played football,” Dykes said Friday. “We’re very excited about Adam Schobel and what he’s going to become… but our plan is to bring somebody in, create competition for that spot, and let the best man win.”
That means the Horned Frogs are in the market for a battle-tested quarterback-someone who’s taken meaningful snaps, ideally with starting experience, and can step in to lead a room that currently includes redshirt freshman Adam Schobel and incoming true freshman Jack Daulton.
While the transfer portal is brimming with big names-think DJ Lagway, Brendan Sorsby, Dylan Raiola, and Sam Leavitt-TCU isn’t expected to get into a bidding war for headline talent. Instead, the Frogs are likely to target more realistic, system-fit options who can compete right away and complement the offensive vision of new coordinator Gordon Sammis.
Here’s a breakdown of some quarterbacks who could be on TCU’s radar:
Colton Joseph (Old Dominion)
Joseph is the kind of dual-threat quarterback that could thrive in Sammis’ run-heavy scheme. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he brings both mobility and production to the table.
This past season, Joseph threw for 2,624 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding 1,007 yards and 13 rushing scores on the ground. That’s not just mobility-it’s legitimate run-game production. Old Dominion finished 10-3, and Joseph was a big reason why.
In 2024, he earned All-Sun Belt honorable mention honors after throwing for 1,627 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 647 yards and 11 more scores. His completion percentage hovered just under 60% in both seasons, which leaves room for growth, but his ability to extend plays and make defenses respect the run could be a perfect fit in Fort Worth.
Jaden Craig (Harvard)
Don’t let the Ivy League label fool you-Craig can sling it. He’s been one of the most productive quarterbacks in FCS over the last two seasons, throwing for 5,299 yards and 48 touchdowns while completing 61% of his passes.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Craig brings a sturdy frame and veteran poise to the position. He led Harvard to its first-ever FCS playoff appearance this year and set multiple school passing records along the way.
Craig would enter as a senior, aligning well with TCU’s timeline of grooming Schobel and Daulton for the future. He topped 300 passing yards five times this season and had five games with at least three touchdown passes. Multiple Power Four programs are expected to pursue him, but his experience and leadership could make him a strong candidate to take the reins in Fort Worth.
Braden Atkinson (Mercer)
Atkinson is a rising talent out of the FCS ranks who put together an eye-popping freshman campaign at Mercer. He threw for 3,596 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading the Bears to a 9-3 finish.
At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Atkinson checks the box for production, but there’s a question of fit. With multiple years of eligibility remaining, bringing him in might complicate the developmental path for Schobel and Daulton. Still, his numbers demand attention, and if TCU is looking for a long-term option with a high ceiling, he’s worth a look.
Katin Houser (East Carolina)
Houser’s journey has taken him from Michigan State to East Carolina, where he’s blossomed into one of the American Athletic Conference’s more efficient quarterbacks.
This season, he posted a career-high 3,300 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and just six interceptions, completing nearly 66% of his passes. That’s a significant jump from his junior year, when he completed 60.8% for 2,006 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 picks.
At 6-foot-3, 222 pounds, Houser has the size and arm to operate in a pro-style or spread system. He’d be a junior next season, giving TCU a multi-year option if needed. His steady improvement and ability to protect the football could make him a safe, reliable pick to lead the offense in 2025.
Aidan Chiles (Michigan State)
Chiles is the wild card in this mix. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, he’s a former blue-chip recruit with all the physical tools you’d want in a modern quarterback. He’s rated as a four-star transfer by most services, but his game is still a work in progress.
In 2024, Chiles threw for 2,415 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing just under 60% of his passes. This past season, he showed signs of growth-completing 63.1% for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only three picks in nine games. He also added 227 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
Chiles would be a senior next season, and while he may be a long shot depending on how his market shapes up, he’s the type of high-upside player who could be worth the gamble if the fit is right.
What’s Next for TCU?
The Horned Frogs aren’t just looking for a quarterback-they’re looking for a leader. Someone who can step in, compete, and elevate an offense that’s in transition under a new coordinator. With Schobel and Daulton waiting in the wings, the next QB needs to be a bridge-not a blockade-to the future.
Whether it’s a dual-threat playmaker like Joseph, a veteran passer like Craig, or a developmental upside guy like Atkinson or Chiles, TCU has options. The question now is which one fits best in Fort Worth-for 2025 and beyond.