As the transfer portal officially closed on Friday, TCU football wrapped up what can best be described as a strategic, calculated offseason. While some Big 12 programs scrambled to plug roster holes with a flurry of portal activity, the Horned Frogs took a more measured approach - and that’s no accident.
TCU finished this portal cycle with fewer than 15 incoming transfers. That’s not a sign of inactivity, but rather a reflection of roster stability.
The Frogs managed to retain most of their key contributors, which meant they didn’t need to overhaul the depth chart like West Virginia or Iowa State did. Instead, TCU focused on targeted additions - players who fill specific needs or bring upside worth developing.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s coming in and who’s headed out of Fort Worth.
Incoming Transfers: Filling Gaps, Adding Upside
Jaden Craig, QB (Harvard)
Craig arrives from the Ivy League with a record-setting résumé.
He leaves Harvard as one of the most productive quarterbacks in program history and brings a high football IQ and leadership qualities to Fort Worth. He’s expected to provide immediate depth and competition in the quarterback room for his final season of eligibility.
Noah McKinney, OL (Oklahoma State)
McKinney brings Big 12 experience and versatility to the offensive line.
After starting multiple games for Oklahoma State, he entered the portal following the departure of Mike Gundy. TCU adds a battle-tested lineman who can step in and contribute right away.
Teon Parks, CB (Colorado)
Parks started several games for the Buffaloes during conference play, giving him valuable reps against Big 12 competition. He’ll compete for a rotational role in a secondary that’s looking to reload after some departures.
Kalen Carroll, CB (Central Michigan)
Carroll brings experience from both Central Michigan and Cincinnati. He’s another depth piece in the defensive backfield with starting experience - something you can never have too much of in today’s pass-heavy game.
Cheta Ofili, EDGE (Texas Tech)
Ofili is one of the higher-upside additions in this class.
A four-star prospect from the 2024 cycle, he’s still developing but brings athleticism and length to the edge. TCU sees him as a potential impact player at the “stud” position, and he’ll have a chance to earn reps early.
Jaheim Buchanon, OL (FIU)
Buchanon was a second-team All-Conference USA selection and has the flexibility to play both guard and center. He adds immediate depth and could push for a starting role on the interior offensive line.
Jeremy Scott, WR (South Alabama)
Scott made the most of his freshman season with 417 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a young, promising receiver who could carve out a role in TCU’s evolving offense.
Landon Walker, RB (Colorado School of Mines)
Walker is a local product out of Keller Central who dominated at the Division II level, rushing for over 2,200 yards. Now he’ll try to make the jump to Power Five football, and if his production translates, he could be a sneaky contributor.
Michael Short, LB (Virginia Tech)
Short brings depth and experience to the linebacker group after stints at both Virginia Tech and North Carolina. He’s been a reliable reserve and will compete for a more prominent role in Fort Worth.
Jacob Fields, S (Louisiana Tech)
Fields is one of the more decorated additions, having been named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in Conference USA. With Bud Clark moving on, Fields is in prime position to step into a starting safety role and bring some playmaking to the back end.
John Hoyet Chance, P (Louisiana Tech)
With Ethan Craw moving on, TCU needed a new punter - and Chance looks like the guy. He’ll likely take over punting duties next season.
Koron Hayward, EDGE (Western Kentucky)
Hayward brings size (6-foot-5) and production, having recorded 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and even an interception last season. He’ll add depth and competition to the pass rush rotation.
Outgoing Transfers: Key Losses, Depth Departures
Josh Hoover, QB
The biggest name on the departure list.
Hoover etched his name into the record books in 2024 with the most passing yards in a single season in TCU history. He’s now headed to Indiana, where he’ll look to continue his development as a starting quarterback.
Nate Palmer, RB
Palmer showed flashes as a reserve but fell down the depth chart. He’s now off to Wisconsin, where he’ll look for more consistent opportunities.
Jonathan Bax, EDGE
Bax had a solid season with 14 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He’ll continue his career at Florida Atlantic.
Cameron Jamerson, CB
Jamerson redshirted this year and will get a fresh start at Boise State.
Gekyle Baker, WR
Baker didn’t see the field this past season and is currently uncommitted.
Rasheed Jackson, OT
A reserve lineman who’s also currently in search of a new program.
Elijah Jackson, CB
Injuries limited Jackson’s impact after transferring in from Washington. He remains uncommitted.
Rohan Kazadi, S
Kazadi, whose father was previously on staff, is also in the portal and uncommitted.
Jonah Martinez, CB
Martinez didn’t see game action in 2025 and is currently uncommitted.
Jordyn Bailey, WR
Bailey caught four passes for 36 yards this past season. He’s in the portal and still weighing his options.
Quinton Harris, OL
Harris stepped in as a starter after Ryan Hughes went down, showing he can hold his own. He’s taken visits to Arizona and Western Kentucky but hasn’t made a decision yet.
Derrick Carroll, RB
The younger brother of linebacker Max Carroll, Derrick didn’t see the field in 2025 and is currently uncommitted.
Final Thoughts
This was a portal cycle defined more by precision than volume for TCU. The Horned Frogs didn’t need to overhaul the roster - they just needed to shore up a few key spots and add competition across the board. With experienced additions at quarterback, offensive line, and in the secondary, plus some high-upside talent on the edge, TCU looks like a team that addressed its needs without overextending.
And perhaps most importantly, they avoided the kind of mass exodus that’s plagued other programs across the country. That kind of retention, combined with targeted reinforcements, could set the Frogs up for a strong bounce-back in 2026.