TCU Horned Frogs Football

TCU Horned Frogs Football is part of NCAA Division I FBS. TCU has won two national championships in 1935 and 1938, led by icons like Sammy Baugh and Davey O'Brien. With six Heisman finalists and six Hall of Famers, TCU has a rich history in college football. Coaches like Dennis Franchione and Gary Patterson brought success, including ten seasons with 11+ wins and a 2014 Big 12 title share. Sonny Dykes led TCU to their first College Football Playoff berth in 2022. In the Big 12 Conference, TCU ranks 4th in AP poll points among private schools, earning praise as a football powerhouse.

TCU Horned Frogs Football Introduction

TCU Horned Frogs Football started its journey on December 7, 1896, under the banner of AddRan Christian University, later transitioning to Texas Christian University in 1902. In its very first game, TCU won against Toby's Business College with a score of 8–6. This was the beginning of a remarkable journey for TCU in football. Initially situated in Waco, Texas, the university relocated to its current home in Fort Worth in 1910.

Throughout its history, TCU has competed in various conferences, including the Southwest Conference and the Mountain West Conference, before settling in the Big 12 Conference in 2012. Notable achievements include two national championships in 1935 and 1938 and unclaimed honors in 2010. TCU boasts a total of 18 conference championships across different leagues, demonstrating its consistent success on the football field.

TCU Horned Frogs Football History

The history of TCU Horned Frogs football dates back to December 7, 1896, when the team, then known as AddRan Christian University, played its first game. Initially located in Waco, Texas, the university moved to Fort Worth in 1910. Before joining the Southwest Conference in 1923, TCU built an impressive record of 165–15–0. In 1912, TCU finished 8–1–0, displaying dominance by outscoring opponents 230 to 53. In 1920, the Horned Frogs claimed their first conference title in the Texas Intercollege Athletic Association.

Under the guidance of Coach Dutch Meyer, TCU achieved significant success, winning its first Southwest Conference title in 1929. Meyer's coaching tenure from 1934 to 1952 included seven conference titles and a Cotton Bowl Classic victory in 1937. In 1935, despite a loss in the "Game of the Century" against SMU, TCU claimed a national championship year. The team continued to excel, with a perfect season in 1938 led by Heisman Trophy winner Davey O'Brien.

In the 1980s, under Coach Jim Wacker, TCU experienced mixed fortunes. Despite notable successes in the mid-1980s, including an appearance in the Bluebonnet Bowl, the program faced challenges due to NCAA violations and subsequent sanctions, impacting scholarship numbers and postseason eligibility. The team struggled to recover, enduring several losing seasons until the 1990s.

Coach Pat Sullivan took over in 1992, introducing changes to revitalize the program. Despite a Southwest Conference title in 1994 and notable victories, TCU faced setbacks, including a downturn in performance during Sullivan's final years. However, Sullivan's recruitment of future NFL star LaDainian Tomlinson remains a significant legacy of his tenure.

TCU Horned Frogs Football Coach

31 head coaches have led the TCU Horned Frogs football program since its establishment in 1896. Currently, Sonny Dykes holds the position of head coach, having assumed the role in November 2021.

TCU Horned Frogs Football Stadium: Amon G. Carter Stadium

Amon G. Carter Stadium stands on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. Amon G. Carter Stadium is the home ground for the TCU Horned Frogs football team. Named in honor of Amon G. Carter, a distinguished Fort Worth entrepreneur, newspaper publisher, and city advocate, the stadium carries a rich history and affectionately goes by nicknames like "The Carter" and "Hell's Half Acre," a nod to Fort Worth's Wild West past.

Originally constructed in 1929-1930, the stadium underwent several expansions and renovations over the years to meet the growing demands of TCU's football program and its loyal fanbase. The most significant transformations occurred between 2010 and 2012, with a $164 million reconstruction project that completely revitalized the stadium. Later, in 2019, an additional $118 million was invested in expanding the east side of the stadium.

The stadium's capacity has grown greatly since its inception, with various expansions and upgrades. From its original seating capacity of 22,000, it now accommodates a larger crowd, providing seating for up to 44,358 spectators.

With its rich legacy, modern facilities, and continuous improvements, Amon G. Carter Stadium remains a cherished venue for football fans.

TCU Horned Frogs Football Rivals

SMU

One of TCU's famous football rivalries is with SMU. This rivalry is important for both schools as they are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and were longtime members of the SWC (Southwest Conference). The rivalry is known as "The Battle for the Iron Skillet." The annual SMU–TCU football game involves the winning team gaining possession of a ceremonial iron skillet. The tradition has been maintained since 1915, with only four exceptions when both teams didn't field football teams in 1919, 1920, 2006, and 2020. The schools are scheduled to compete at least through 2023, but the future of annual meetings beyond that remains uncertain due to their conference affiliations.

Baylor

Another significant rivalry for TCU is with Baylor University, which dates back to 1899. This rivalry is among the oldest and most played in college football history. Initially, it was a battle between two cross-town, church-affiliated rivals in Waco, Texas. The rivalry persisted despite TCU's relocation to Fort Worth after a fire destroyed its main administration building in 1910. The series saw periods of dominance for both teams until the breakup of the Southwest Conference in 1995. The rivalry was briefly renewed for four non-conference games in 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2011, during which TCU, then a member of the Mountain West Conference, secured a 3–1 non-conference record over Baylor.

TCU Horned Frogs Football Record and stats

• TCU claimed two national championships in 1935 and 1938.

• TCU has won a total of 18 conference championships. These championships were won across six different conferences. Of the 18 titles, 12 were outright wins, and 6 were shared titles.

Conference championships

TCU Horned Frogs Football Roster

The TCU Horned Frogs' football roster includes a diverse array of players on both offense and defense.

On the offensive side, notable players include:

On the defensive side, notable players include:

TCU Horned Frogs Football Schedule

TCH Horned Frogs Regular Season schedule is as follows: