TCU won six of its last seven after starting 3-3 in 2024 and the Horned Frogs believe the momentum will carry over into 2025. Head coach Sonny Dykes said, “this is the best roster I’ve ever coached,” during our stop in Fort Worth as we prepare the summer magazine. The Frogs sound like a program that possess Big 12 title aspirations as Dykes enters Year 4. 

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football spoke to Dykes, offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, defensive coordinator Andy Avalos, and quarterback Josh Hoover during the trip. Here are some news and notes from those talks. 

Previous stops: Baylor | North Texas | SMU 

OFFENSE 

• Briles believes the offense is light years ahead of where it was in previous springs because he’s entering Year 3 as OC and because quarterback Josh Hoover is participating this year, unlike last spring when he was recovering from injury. In Briles’ first year, Hoover was in a QB competition with Chandler Morris and didn’t get most of the No. 1 reps. 
• Briles called Hoover a football junkie. He lets his young quarterback run meetings at times to help the young guys. 
• Ken Seals “has been awesome,” according to the coaches. He was described as professional and mature. He’s clearly the No. 2 quarterback right now. He’s exceeded expectations and is playing at a high level. 
• Briles said he was “not completely sold on Adam (Schobel) in some of the OTAs” saying he thought the true freshman lacked some arm strength and accuracy but explained it by saying “I think he was just swimming (in new information) and that caused him to play slower.” This spring, he’s been really good and was 9-for-9 through his first three practices and Briles says “he has an incredible future.” Says he has a strong arm and is extremely accurate. 
• Kevorian Barnes was described as “a lot better football player than a workout guy.” He’s been good during the spring. Redshirt freshman Nate Palmer turned a corner and could be a big-time contributor in 2025. Trent Battle was described as consistent and steady. Jeremy Payne is an explosive player who should have the same role in 2025. True freshman Jon Denman has looked good but it might be hard for him to find snaps this year. 
• Briles says it is too early to say if one RB takes the reins. He likes having a stable of backs because he can keep them fresh. Dykes says running the ball is an emphasis and that TCU wants to get back to the balance the offense had in 2022 when Kendre Miller was a difference maker. 
• TCU expects a breakout year from Eric McAlister, calling him the new WR1. The 6-3, 205-pound senior was a factor even with Savion Williams, Jack Bech, and JP Richardson on campus. He’ll rack up big numbers as Hoover’s favorite target. 
• Early returns on wide receiver transfers Jordan Dwyer (Idaho) and Joseph Manjack IV (Houston) were good. Manjack was compared to Bech. Dwyer can play in the slot or on the outside. He was described as a vertical threat by the coaches. 
• Dozie Ezukanma has gained some weight and is looking like a regular contributor as a redshirt freshman. TCU was going to look for another receiver in the portal this spring, but Ezukanma’s evolution means they feel pretty good about the depth at the position right now. Briles called him McAlister’s understudy. 
• True freshman Terry Shelton has shown promise when he’s not banged up. He’s a bit raw but they’re excited about his future. Braylon James is another player impressing during the first half of spring. 
• In the slot, Major Everhart, Jordyn Bailey, and true freshman Ed Small were mentioned as having good springs. Manjack and Dwyer can also play inside. 
• DJ Rogers is the main guy at tight end. Chase Curtis has been out with injury but the staff expects him back for the season. Lafayette Kaiuway has improved and is physical in the run game. Freshman Mason Peterson also earned praise, but he’ll need to improve run blocking. Ka’Morreun Pimpton was described as “solid” but he’s been a bit banged up. 
• Coltin Deery is moving to center for the Frogs. Our educated guess on the starting offensive line in 2025 would be Ryan Hughes (LT), Carson Bruno (LG), Deery (C), Cade Bennett (RG), Ben Taylor-Whitfield (RT). 
• Deery wanted to move to center and has dropped 30 pounds to get quicker for center. He was described as a tough dude who should give some more physicality in the run game. Bruno is out this spring with injury, but Bennett’s return has been good for the guard group. Hughes could be a future NFL tackle, per the staff. Remington Strickland has improved and should provide some depth on the interior.
• Physicality was the focal point for the offensive line and Dykes and Briles are pleased with the progression in that area. Rasheed Jackson provides some depth at tackle. Briles feels comfortable with eight offensive linemen right now. 

DEFENSE 

• The eventual returns of Michael Ibukun-Okeyode and Paul Oyewale on the edge should transform that position group from a thin group in 2024 to one of the deeper units on the team in 2025, per Avalos. They’re still progressing to 100% health in the summer. 
• Zach Chapman has moved to the field-side defensive end position from defensive tackle and he’s taken to the move. Travis Jackson is competing with Chapman. Jackson played some as a true freshman. Avalos likes true freshman Chad Woodfork. Oyewale was the expected starter last year and should be fine by fall camp.
• Devean Deal is back to start at the boundary-side defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid spot in Avalos’ defense. He was the MVP of the bowl game. Jonathan Bax has developed physically and mentally in the offseason. True freshman John Schobel is also at that spot. Ibukun-Okeyode will make this position elite when he returns for the season, per Avalos. 
• Avalos said Markis Deal is progressing and could be one of the best defensive tackles at TCU in a while. He’ll be at nose guard. The key is developing a second nose tackle behind Deal, as well as a third. Connor Lingren and and Sterlin Brooks were mentioned as players to watch. 
• Ansel Din-Mbuh was described as a “huge addition to our team, not just on the field but as a leader and a worker. He’s emerging as a leader on this team and he was a big time get for us.” He’ll start at defensive tackle next to Deal. Tristan Johnson has shown great growth in the offseason and provides depth. Avion Carter and Perry Coe are other names to watch.
• Kaleb Elarms-Orr will be the starter at Mike linebacker. Behind him is Hudson Hoover, who played multiple positions last year and was a star on special teams. Max Carroll can also play Mike linebacker and is likely the primary backup at both inside linebacker spots. Dillon Arkansas and Sam Haley are true freshmen to like. 
• Namdi Obiazor returns to start at Will linebacker. He’s still growing despite his age because he’s only played linebacker for a couple of years. He returns because of the JUCO rule and Avalos thinks he’s grown a ton in a year. Carroll is the primary backup. Anthony Williams is a true freshman who Avalos likes. 
• Austin Jordan is expected to start at nickel. LSU transfer Kylin Jackson is coming on with the new defense. 
• Jamel Johnson is emerging as a consistent player for TCU at the boundary safety. Avalos pointed to his improved eye discipline and the confidence he’s playing with. Kaden McFadden was a top special teams player who will be a physical presence at boundary safety behind Johnson. 
• Bud Clark is back at field safety. Jordan Lester is back to help with depth. 
• Channing Canada “looks different” this year. Avalos says he’s playing the best of any of the corners. Jevon McIver Jr. and Devondre McGee are some backups that Avalos is impressed with. Jonah Martinez is a JUCO transfer with some promise. 
• Elijah Johnson is a transfer who could push for playing time when he’s back from injury. Avery Helm and Vernon Glover are experienced players who are working back from injury. Avalos likes his four top corners – Canada, Johnson, Helm, Glover.