A storyline leading into TCU’s Alamo Bowl matchup against USC was whether or not redshirt junior Paul Oyewale, who On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported last month would enter the transfer portal, would suit up and
play. Oyewale was present in practice leading up to the game and ultimately did participate, registering seven total tackles as the Horned Frogs upset the Trojans 30-27 in overtime. As conflicting reports continued to emerge about Oyewale’s future, the veteran defensive lineman announced Tuesday that he will return to the Horned Frogs for the 2026 season. Oyewale has played in 27 games over his four years with the TCU football team.
The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder from Houston, Texas had arguably his best season as a Horned Frog in 2025, posting a career-high 31 total tackles along with a career-high 7.5 tackles for loss. Oyewale, who had two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery this season, played in all 13 games and was a key lineman on defense for TCU, which is expected to return practically all of its defensive linemen in 2026. Oyewale appeared in 11 games during the 2023 season, registering 23 total tackles, five tackles for loss and a career-best three sacks.
A member of the Horned Frogs since 2022, Oyewale didn’t play in 2024 due to an injury. A three-star recruit out of Langham Creek High School, Oyewale signed with TCU over SMU, Duke, Baylor and more.
