The tight end room at TCU is heading into a new era.
After a 2025 season that saw the Horned Frogs shift their offensive identity, tight ends became more than just blockers-they became real contributors in the passing game. That pivot wasn’t by accident.
With the departures of top wideouts Savion Williams, Jack Bech, and JP Richardson, TCU needed new playmakers. And they found some of that production from a pair of seasoned veterans at tight end: DJ Rogers and Chase Curtis.
Let’s start with Rogers. The redshirt senior stepped into the spotlight and delivered the most productive season of his college career.
A former four-star recruit, Rogers caught 34 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns, starting 12 of 13 games. His breakout moment came early-five catches, 43 yards, and a touchdown in a blowout win over North Carolina.
That performance set the tone for a season where he became a reliable target in the middle of the field. Rogers, who will now head to the Panini Senior Bowl, leaves Fort Worth after five years and 38 games played in purple and white.
Then there’s Chase Curtis. The sixth-year senior and team captain battled through injuries over the course of his career, but his leadership and experience were always evident.
Curtis wrapped up his TCU tenure with 36 catches for 413 yards and four touchdowns across 40 games. This past season, he carved out a valuable depth role, posting 13 receptions for 167 yards and two scores despite missing time once again due to injury.
With both Rogers and Curtis out of eligibility, the Horned Frogs are looking ahead. The tight end room is young, but not inexperienced.
One name to keep an eye on is Ka’Morreun Pimpton. The former LSU transfer flirted with the portal again after the 2025 season but ultimately decided to stick with TCU.
Pimpton didn’t see much action last season-just four games-but he did make his lone catch count, hauling in a 3-yard touchdown against Baylor. Over two seasons, including his time at LSU, Pimpton has appeared in 19 games.
Now, with one year of eligibility left, the door is wide open for him to take on a bigger role in 2026.
Another potential breakout candidate is Lafayette Kaiuway. The redshirt sophomore saw the field in 10 games this past season and recorded his first career touchdown in the win over Colorado.
He added a 14-yard grab against West Virginia and a 9-yard catch against Abilene Christian. Kaiuway has been gradually building his résumé, and with more reps likely on the horizon, he could be poised for a jump in production.
True freshman Mason Peterson rounds out the group of returners. While he didn’t register a catch in 2025, Peterson was a key contributor on special teams and played in all 13 games. With Rogers and Curtis moving on, Peterson will have every opportunity to climb the depth chart in 2026.
As for reinforcements, the Horned Frogs haven’t dipped into the transfer portal for tight ends-at least not yet-but help is on the way from the high school and JUCO ranks. TCU is bringing in two three-star recruits in the 2026 class: Nacari Ashley and Braden Bach.
Ashley, in particular, could be an intriguing addition. He comes in as the No.
2 JUCO tight end in the country and brings a level of physical maturity that could fast-track his development.
So, what does all this mean for TCU’s offense moving forward? The tight end position, once an afterthought in the passing game, has become a legitimate piece of the puzzle.
With a blend of returning experience and incoming talent, the Horned Frogs have options. But replacing the production and leadership of Rogers and Curtis won’t be easy.
It’ll take a collective effort-and maybe a breakout or two-for this group to keep the momentum going into 2026.