The hits keep coming for TCU’s offense, and Monday brought another one. Redshirt freshman running back Nate Palmer has officially entered the transfer portal after two seasons with the Horned Frogs, adding to a growing list of departures that will reshape the backfield heading into next year.
Palmer, a former three-star recruit out of Decatur, Texas, had his pick of Power Five programs coming out of high school - with offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, and Miami, among others. But in Fort Worth, the 6-foot, 195-pound back never quite found his footing in the rotation.
Over two seasons, he logged appearances in 12 games, totaling 164 rushing yards on 41 carries and catching one pass. This season, Palmer was buried on the depth chart behind transfer Kevorian Barnes, freshman Jeremy Payne, and veteran Trent Battle, and he didn’t see much meaningful action.
Now, with Palmer opting to move on - and both Barnes and Battle out of eligibility - the Horned Frogs’ running back room suddenly looks a lot thinner. Payne, who showed flashes this year, will be expected to take on a much bigger role. And true freshman Jon Denman will likely be thrust into the spotlight as well, with the team needing immediate production from its young talent.
There’s also some intrigue around the transfer portal. With Gordon Sammis, the former UConn offensive coordinator, now running the show on that side of the ball, there’s buzz that TCU could be targeting Huskies back Cam Edwards - another portal name to watch. If that move materializes, it could bring some much-needed experience and explosiveness to a group that’s suddenly in flux.
Looking further ahead, reinforcements are on the way. TCU has two running backs committed for the 2026 class: three-star G’Ivori Graham and four-star Amante Martin. Both bring promise, but they’re still a year out - and right now, the focus is squarely on how this team retools for next season.
The Horned Frogs have talent, but with key pieces departing and a new offensive coordinator in place, this offseason will be critical in shaping what the next chapter of TCU football looks like.