As TCU gears up to face USC in the Valero Alamo Bowl, there’s a clear sense of purpose coming from the Horned Frogs’ defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos, now in his second year with the program, isn’t just talking about the opportunity - he’s embracing it.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity,” Avalos said during Saturday’s media availability in San Antonio. “We’re playing against a team that’s had a great season. It’s giving us the opportunity to finish strong and prepare to go out and play in this game.”
And if anyone’s earned the right to be excited, it’s Avalos. Since arriving in Fort Worth, he’s helped reshape a TCU defense that was once struggling to find its footing.
In 2023, the Horned Frogs ranked 103rd nationally in total defense - a number that speaks for itself. Fast forward to 2024, and that ranking jumped to 45th.
That’s not just improvement - that’s transformation.
The run defense followed a similar trajectory. After finishing 83rd in the nation last season, the Frogs surged to 43rd in 2025. That kind of leap doesn’t happen without buy-in from the players, and Avalos was quick to credit the guys on the field for making it happen.
Standing beside him at the podium on Saturday were three key contributors to that defensive turnaround: Bud Clark, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, and Devean Deal. These aren’t just names on a depth chart - they’ve been difference-makers all season. Whether it’s Clark’s presence in the secondary, Elarms-Orr’s sideline-to-sideline range, or Deal’s work in the trenches, each has played a pivotal role in elevating the defense to a new standard.
Avalos’ system is built on discipline, communication, and physicality - and this group has steadily grown into that identity. The numbers show it, but so does the way they play. There’s more cohesion, more confidence, and a clear sense that this defense is no longer trying to catch up - it’s setting the tone.
Now, with USC on the horizon, the Horned Frogs have a chance to cap their season with a statement. The Trojans bring offensive firepower, no question. But for Avalos and his defense, this is exactly the kind of stage they’ve been building toward - a chance to show just how far they’ve come, and to do it against one of the most recognizable programs in college football.
For TCU, this bowl game isn’t just a reward - it’s a proving ground. And with Avalos leading the charge, the Horned Frogs’ defense looks ready for the spotlight.