Blog Article
TCU Football 2025 Preview: Big 12’s Top Recruiting Class Ready to Make Noise
TCU football is locked and loaded for a potential conference championship run after addressing every weakness from 2024.
Sonny Dykes Has Built a Recruiting Machine
If you want to predict which Big 12 team is poised to make the most significant leap in 2025, look no further than the TCU Horned Frogs.
TCU’s recruiting dominance is no longer a fluke—it’s a pattern that’s set to define the Big 12 landscape for years to come:
- The Horned Frogs signed the #1 recruiting class in the Big 12 and the highest-rated class in school history
- Their 2025 class features six four-star recruits, including edge rusher Chad Woodfork, quarterback Adam Schobel, and receiver Terry Shelton.
- This marks Sonny Dykes‘ third straight top-three Big 12 class, establishing TCU as the premier destination for Texas talent.
- The class strategically addressed 2024 weaknesses with 13 of 30 signees playing on the offensive or defensive line.
The 2025 class isn’t just about star ratings—it’s about addressing specific areas of need that kept TCU from championship contention last season.
The Transfer Portal: Strategic Additions Over Volume
While some Big 12 rivals chase quantity in the portal, TCU targeted quality additions to complement their stellar recruiting class.
- Idaho receiver Jordan Dwyer brings proven production (1,192 yards, 12 TDs in 2024) to replace departed receiving stars.
- UTSA running back Kevorian Barnes provides an instant boost to a run game that averaged just 3.9 yards per carry
- LSU safety Kylin Jackson adds SEC experience and leadership to a young secondary
These calibrated additions should have an immediate impact while allowing TCU’s decorated freshmen class the time needed to develop.
The Schedule: A Gauntlet of Tests
TCU faces the most demanding schedule in college football this season—a challenge that will expose weaknesses or forge championship mettle.
The Horned Frogs will navigate:
- 11 Power Four opponents (only one of two programs nationally with this distinction)
- A Labor Day night opener at North Carolina
- Traditionally challenging road environments at Arizona State, Kansas State, West Virginia, BYU, and Houston
- Home tilts against rising programs like Colorado and traditional rival Baylor
This unforgiving slate leaves little margin for error but provides weekly opportunities for statement victories.
Building on Last Season’s Momentum
The foundation for 2025 success was laid during TCU’s impressive stretch run to close the 2024 campaign.
After a middling start, the Horned Frogs found their identity and dominated down the stretch:
- Closed with a 6-1 run and four straight victories
- Dominated Louisiana 34-3 in the New Mexico Bowl
- Developed a high-powered passing attack (312.9 yards per game, 66.8% completion)
- Created 22 turnovers (11 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries)
- Quarterback Josh Hoover emerged as a star (3,949 yards, 27 TDs)
The late-season surge showed this program’s ceiling when firing on all cylinders, and the 2025 roster appears significantly more talented overall.
2024’s Weaknesses Addressed Head-On
Every championship program must be honest about its deficiencies, and TCU attacked theirs with surgical precision this offseason.
Run Game Inconsistency: TCU’s 3.9 yards per carry and lack of a 1,000-yard rusher undermined offensive balance in 2024.
The solution:
- Added impact transfer RB Kevorian Barnes from UTSA
- Return promising sophomore Jeremy Payne (4.4 YPC in limited action)
- Signed four quality offensive linemen to boost run blocking
Defensive Vulnerability vs. Run: Allowing 160.5 rushing yards per game at 4.2 YPC proved costly in TCU’s losses.
The solution:
- Signed nine defensive linemen in the 2025 class
- Added linebacker Keylan Abrams (23.5 sacks in high school)
- Targeted the transfer portal for immediate defensive help
Replacing Departed Receiving Stars: TCU lost leading receivers Jack Bech, Eric McAlister, and John Paul Richardson.
The solution:
- Transfer portal addition Jordan Dwyer (1,192 yards, 12 TDs at Idaho)
- Four-star freshman Terry Shelton expected to contribute immediately
- Young receivers from previous classes are ready for expanded roles
These targeted improvements should transform last year’s vulnerabilities into potential strengths.
Projected Record: Why 9-3 is Within Reach
Despite facing one of college football’s most demanding schedules, TCU has the roster talent and coaching continuity to exceed most projections.
Early prognosticators have TCU hovering around seven wins, but here’s why a 9-3 ceiling is realistic:
- QB Josh Hoover’s continued development after throwing for nearly 4,000 yards as a sophomore
- Big 12’s top recruiting class providing immediate impact, especially on defense
- Strategic transfer additions at skill positions to maintain offensive potency
- Momentum from a strong 2024 finish carrying into the new season
- Coaching continuity with Sonny Dykes and his staff entering their fourth season
The margin between a 6-6 season and a 9-3 breakthrough will likely come down to close-game performance, as nine games on TCU’s schedule could reasonably be considered “toss-ups.”
The Bottom Line
TCU enters 2025 as the Big 12’s most intriguing sleeper—not quite a preseason favorite but undeniably talented enough to challenge for a conference championship.
For the Horned Frogs to leap from good to great, they’ll need three things to happen:
- Improved run game production to balance their already-potent passing attack
- The immediate impact of their highly-touted defensive recruits
- Continued development from QB Josh Hoover into an all-conference performer
If these elements fall into place, TCU won’t just compete for bowl eligibility—they’ll compete for championships.
The days of TCU being an afterthought in the Big 12 race are over. Sonny Dykes has built a recruiting powerhouse in Fort Worth, and the 2025 season is when those efforts could culminate in the program’s return to national prominence.
Become an Insider
Don’t miss another deep dive into college football’s most crucial storylines and program developments. Our team-by-team analysis gives you the insider perspective to understand where each program is headed in 2025 and beyond. Subscribe for free now to access our comprehensive breakdowns, exclusive hot seat rankings, and in-depth conference analysis delivered to your inbox. Join thousands of college football insiders who trust Coaches Hot Seat to keep them ahead of the game. Hit the link below to unlock all our premium content and never miss another update.
