As most Frog fans can recall, one of the areas in need of improvement for TCU football heading into the offseason was the run defense. TCU dropped multiple games in 2024 that could have been wins with more physicality in the front seven and if the Frogs want to reach their high expectations in 2025, the defensive line will need to be improved. There are already signs of improvement as TCU was able to retain most major contributors from 2024 and added a few very talented pieces through the transfer
portal and high school recruiting this offseason.
Interior Lineman
One of the biggest sources of optimism for an improved run defense is the return of former four-star recruit Markis Deal. Deal took over a starting defensive tackle spot about halfway through the 2024 season and had an immediate impact on the defense. Deal’s entry into the starting lineup roughly coincided with TCU’s winning spree down the stretch of last season that was sparked by a much improved defense. Deal does a great job of holding his ground against double teams and punishing one on one blocking attempts. Look for Deal to have a big 2025 at the front of TCU’s defense.
Arguably the biggest addition that TCU made on the defensive side of the ball this season was adding Washington State transfer Ansel Din-Mbuh. The junior was named Pac-12 defensive lineman of the year in 2024 after racking up six sacks and 24 tackles for the Cougars. Expect Din-Mbuh to start at the defensive tackle spot opposite Markis Deal to begin 2025.
Connor Lingren projects to be a major rotational player at the interior defensive line spots this season for TCU. The College Station, Texas native saw action in eight games last season and filled in well in his limited opportunities.
Defensive Ends and Edge Rushers
The Frogs return their leader in sacks in 2024 in Devean Deal who tallied 5.5 sacks last season from his stud/edge rusher position. The Tulane transfer took a few games to get adjusted to the new system and battled through injuries early in the year but came on strong down the stretch with five of his sacks coming in the last seven games of the season. Expect Deal to take a step forward and lead the Frogs in sacks again in 2025.
One player who could push Deal for playing time at the stud position is Jonathan Bax. Bax was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school and has had a very strong showing in fall camp, leading to a potential rise up the depth chart. Bax has the athleticism to be an impact player off the edge with excellent burst off the line and should be an important part of TCU’s pass rush this season.
Zach Chapman is another player seemingly primed for a step towards stardom after a redshirt freshman campaign that saw him tally three sacks and 24 tackles, earning second team Freshman All-American honors from the Athletic. Chapman has the skill set to be an effective pass rusher and the strength to be solid in run defense. Expect Chapman to be high on the depth chart at the defensive end position for TCU.
Another source of optimism for TCU fans is the return of Paul Oyewale and Michael Ibukun-Okeyode to the defensive line after they both missed the entire 2024 season with injuries. Oyewale was TCU’s best edge rusher in 2023, finishing second on the team in sacks with three and racking up 23 tackles. Ibukun-Okeyode was productive when he was last on the field as well with 2.5 sacks and five tackles for a loss in his redshirt freshman season in 2023. Expect both to be big parts of the rotation in 2025.
Travis Jackson joins Chapman as another young player who showed tremendous flashes of potential last season and who should have an even bigger role in 2025. Jackson flashed excellent athleticism in last season’s game against Oklahoma State when he recorded a sack and later picked off a pass from his defensive line spot and picked up 22 yards before being taken down.
Chad Woodfork was the second highest rated high school recruit in TCU’s 2025 class according to 247 Sports and has the potential to be a contributor as a true freshman for the Frogs. Woodfork has tremendous physical tools that allow him to win in pass rush and the strength to hold his own in the running game. Look for Woodfork to be a centerpiece of the TCU defense for years to come.
