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CU Buffs opponent preview: Sneaky TCU team led by QB Josh Hoover awaits at start of October

By Tyler King June 20, 2025 | updated 1 month ago

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This fall, Coach Prime and Colorado are going to head back to where it all started.

The 2023 season opener between the Buffaloes and TCU in Fort Worth — Deion Sanders’ debut led by the dazzling performances by the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. — will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Colorado TCU Football

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks to pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against TCU Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

LM Otero

Colorado TCU Football

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks to pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against TCU Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)



LM Otero


It was the conclusion of a home-and-home scheduled back when the two programs were not conference opponents. Now, on Oct. 4, the Buffs and Horned Frogs will meet for the first time as Big 12 foes (and just the third time overall).

It will come nearly a month after CU’s conference opener at Houston in Week 3 and one week after the first Big 12 game of the season — the Alamo Bowl rematch with BYU on Sept. 27.

While TCU is no longer coming off an appearance in the national championship game like the last time CU made its way to Amon G. Carter Stadium, this will still be a sneaky tough game for the Buffs as the Horned Frogs are considered one of the dark horse contenders in the Big 12 in 2025 after winning nine games, including a victory in the New Mexico Bowl, last season.

Here’s everything you need to know about TCU:

Offseason storylines

There was only one thing on coach Sonny Lubick’s to-do list this offseason: keep quarterback Josh Hoover.

Houston TCU Football

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) drops back to pass as Houston linebacker Jamal Morris (25) rushes in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Houston TCU Football

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) drops back to pass as Houston linebacker Jamal Morris (25) rushes in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)



Despite interest from the SEC, the Horned Frogs managed to hold onto their emerging star at QB after his standout sophomore season. The Heath, Texas native threw for just under 4,000 yards to go with 27 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions, while completing over 66% of his passes.

Heading into 2025, he’s considered a potential breakout star in college football as someone capable of carrying TCU to another nine, potentially 10-win season, despite losing some significant talent to the NFL and transfer portal (and not really replacing it with newcomers).

On offense

Of course, any conversation around the TCU offense starts and ends with Hoover.

It’s a pass-first system run by Kendal Briles that ranked only behind CU in passing offense in the Big 12 last season. Hoover used a quartet of wide receivers as his primary targets last season, including second round NFL draft pick Jack Bech, who had over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024.

He, JP Richardson and Savion Williams have all moved on to the next level, but the Horned Frogs still return Eric McAlister, who had 762 yards and five touchdowns in his first season in Fort Worth after transferring in from Boise State in the offseason.

UCF TCU Football

TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister (88) runs the ball against Central Florida during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)

Richard W. Rodriguez

UCF TCU Football

TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister (88) runs the ball against Central Florida during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)



Richard W. Rodriguez


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TCU went back to the state of Idaho this offseason to get another wide receiver in Jordan Dwyer, who had nearly 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns for Idaho in 2024.

Hoover and that duo at wide receiver will be the focal point for the TCU offense, especially with plenty of young, inexperienced players up front on the offensive line and an unproven group of running backs.

On defense

Andy Avalos’ first season in charge of the TCU defense was largely a success.

The former Boise State head coach led an improvement in three of the four major statistical categories and the dropoff in production against the run was only slight. Plain and simple, the Horned Frogs allowed fewer yards and points per game in 2024.

Avalos returns a trio of key players in edge rusher Devean Deal, who led the team in sacks last season; linebacker Namdi Obiazor, who was second in tackles; and safety Bud Clark, who was second-team all-Big 12.

TCU Football

TCU linebacker Devean Deal (11) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

Colin Braley

TCU Football

TCU linebacker Devean Deal (11) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)



Colin Braley


There weren’t any big name additions defensively out of the transfer portal, so it will be up to Avalos to replace the production he did lose with guys that have been in the program learning his system for the past 18 months.

The TCU Horned Frogs file

2024 record: 9-4 (6-3 Big 12)

Head coach: Sonny Dykes (4th season, 27-13 record)

Offensive coordinator: Kendal Briles (3rd season)

Defensive coordinator: Andy Avalos (2nd season)

Key returners: QB Josh Hoover, RB Jeremy Payne, WR Eric McAlister, EDGE Devean Deal, LB Namdi Obiazor, S Bud Clark

Key newcomers: WR Jordan Dwyer, TE Ka’Morreun Pimpton, CB Elijah Jackson, S Kylin Jackson

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Tyler King

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