Craig Back
While the performance came vs. an FCS opponent in a tune up game, this was a brand new flava in ya ear for the Horned Frogs. After a dismal performance in Ireland, quarterback Jaden Craig bounced back in a big way on Saturday in Fort Worth, showing the dazzling arm talent that had him a potential NFL draftee before deciding on joining the Horned Frogs. The final stat line is near perfect: 24-31 (77%) for 391 yards and 4 TDs passing with 53 rush yards and zero turnovers. The numbers could have been
even more stunning as TCU wide receivers were officially credited with four drops, two of which would have been touchdowns. He also had a Hail Mary caught by Ed Small at the end of the first half where he fell a yard short of the endzone. Sonny Dykes & OC Gordon Sammis finally let Craig put some air under the ball after making zero attempts downfield against UNC in Week Zero, and boy were those deep throws a thing of beauty. Craig completed six passes of 28+ yards, two of which ended in the end zone. Watching his highlights from Harvard this offseason, it was the touch and accuracy on the long throws that really popped off the page, so it was glad to see this quality on display vs. Grambling after being fully absent vs. UNC. Craig also showed off some skills with his legs. After notably not running for a 4th down conversion in the final drive against the Tar Heels, he put his feet to good use on Saturday. Three of his eight carries resulted in TCU first downs, including an improvisation on a 4th down attempt where he turned a dropped snap into a 31-yard scramble. While it yet to be seen if Craig can put up anything resembling these kinds of numbers vs. an FBS opponent, much less a Big 12 defense, it is clear that Craig still has the goods to deliver in a big way.
Tight End Treasures
The Tight End depth chart was one of the strongest position groups on the Horned Frogs roster going into the season, but it was unknown how the new offense would utilize the talented athletes. The eyes of QB Jaden Craig found the towering targets early and often on Saturday as it has become clear the TE will be a true pass catching role for the Frogs this season. Kari Ashley was the top dog vs. the Tigers, hauling in seven catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. The JUCO transfer proved why he was featured on Bruce Feldman’s 2026 Freaks List, showing off acrobatic skills and elite athleticism that could not be contained by the Grambling defense. Another terrific TE made his mark in the first half as Ka’Morreun Pimpton made two critical receptions for 37 yards, one of which went for a long first down gain into the red zone and the other a touchdown reception. The North Crowley alum and former LSU Tiger is another athletic freak that puts defenses into difficult positions with his size and skills. The position is sure to be a focus of the offense and a reliable resource for the quarterback all season.
Special Teams Heroics
On a night where TCU did not attempt any field goals, the special teams units still shined. From Ansel Din-Mbuh blocking a 20-yard Grambling field goal attempt (would also have a sack in this game) to Teon Parks downing a punt at the one yard line (he would also have an interception for a TD in this game) to Dillon Arkansas blocking a punt to set the TCU offense up in the red zone, to Nate McCashland making all nine of his Extra Point attempts, it was a banner evening for TCU’s Special Teams.
Sloppiness Still
While there is little negative to discuss when the scoreboard shows 56-point margin in your favor, it was not a perfect night on the field for the Horned Frogs. TCU fumbled three times, luckily losing only one – though the one was painful as Jeremy Payne was on his way to a long touchdown run when he was caught from behind and had the ball punched out and through the endzone for a Grambling touchback. It was reminiscent of the fumble he had against Iowa State last year, a terrific run that turns into a horrific turnover that takes points off the board. The Frogs made it the entire first half penalty-free, but after halftime TCU got hit with five penalties for 60 yards gifted to the Tigers. The Horned Frogs will need to continue to clean up these lingering issues as the schedule gets more difficult.
