The 2026 TCU Horned Frogs football schedule features 12 games, beginning with a season opener against North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, August 28, 2026, and concluding with a road game at Texas Tech on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
TCU will play seven home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, and four away games in Big 12 Conference play.
Texas Christian University opens its 2026 campaign in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium, marking the program’s first international game since 1994.
The Big 12 Conference schedule includes nine conference matchups against BYU, Utah, Kansas State, West Virginia, Kansas, Baylor, UCF, Arizona, and Texas Tech.
2026 TCU Football Schedule: Full Game-by-Game Breakdown
The complete schedule includes three non-conference opponents and nine Big 12 Conference games spanning 14 weeks from late August through November.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Conference Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, August 28, 2026 | vs. North Carolina | Dublin, Ireland | Aviva Stadium | No |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | vs. Grambling State | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | No |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | vs. Arkansas State | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | No |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | at UCF | Orlando, Florida | FBC Mortgage Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | vs. BYU | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | at Baylor | Waco, Texas | McLane Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | vs. West Virginia | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | vs. Kansas | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | at Arizona | Tucson, Arizona | Arizona Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | vs. Kansas State | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | vs. Utah | Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium | Yes |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | at Texas Tech | Lubbock, Texas | Jones AT&T Stadium | Yes |
TCU receives two bye weeks during the 2026 season: Saturday, September 5, 2026, following the Ireland trip and Saturday, October 10, 2026, during conference play.
TCU vs. North Carolina in Dublin: Aer Lingus College Football Classic Details
The Horned Frogs face North Carolina on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. This Week Zero matchup represents TCU’s first game played outside the United States since the 1994 Mirage Bowl in Tokyo, Japan.
Aviva Stadium holds 51,700 spectators and serves as the home venue for the Irish national rugby and soccer teams. The facility opened in 2010 on the site of the former Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin’s Ballsbridge neighborhood.
North Carolina enters the game under head coach Bill Belichick, who accepted the position in December 2024 after coaching 24 seasons in the National Football League. The matchup marks Belichick’s first college football head coaching role and creates national media attention beyond typical season openers.
Official ticket packages for TCU fans are available through Frogs2Ireland.com, the athletic department’s designated travel partner. Package prices range from $1,899 to $3,499 per person and include game tickets, hotel accommodations, and select meals. Individual game tickets purchased through Ticketmaster Ireland cost €150 to €300 ($162 to $324).
TCU Home Games 2026 at Amon G. Carter Stadium
Seven games will be played at Amon G. Carter Stadium during the 2026 season, starting with the home opener against Grambling State on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The stadium underwent a $118 million renovation in 2019 that expanded capacity to 47,000 seats. The east side reconstruction added premium seating sections, club spaces, and enhanced fan amenities while maintaining the venue’s traditional bowl configuration.
| Home Game | Opponent | Date | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grambling State | Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Home opener, first game in Fort Worth |
| 2 | Arkansas State | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Final non-conference home game |
| 3 | BYU | Saturday, October 3, 2026 | BYU’s first visit since 2010 |
| 4 | West Virginia | Saturday, October 24, 2026 | First game of three-week home stand |
| 5 | Kansas | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Halloween weekend matchup |
| 6 | Kansas State | Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Late-season conference game |
| 7 | Utah | Saturday, November 21, 2026 | Potential Senior Day, Utah’s first visit since 2009 |
Reserved season tickets for the 2026 season have sold out since 2012, following the stadium’s lower bowl renovation. Single-game tickets typically become available through SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster between $43 and $112 per seat for non-conference games and $75 to $185 for Big 12 Conference matchups.
Parking at Amon G. Carter Stadium operates through a reserved permit system. Lots open four hours before kickoff, with the closest parking in the Purple and White lots south of the stadium requiring season pass purchases. Public parking is available at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum and select campus lots for $20 to $40 per game.
Non-Conference Opponents: Grambling State and Arkansas State
TCU schedules two home non-conference games following the Ireland opener. Grambling State visits Fort Worth on Saturday, September 12, 2026, marking the first meeting between the programs. The Tigers compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and finished the 2025 season with a 6-6 record.
Arkansas State plays at TCU on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the second meeting between the schools. The Red Wolves defeated TCU 38-35 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1988, the only previous matchup. Arkansas State plays in the Sun Belt Conference and recorded an 8-5 record in 2025.
The two games provide preparation for Big 12 Conference play beginning September 26, 2026. TCU historically schedules one Football Championship Subdivision opponent and one or two Group of Five conference teams during non-conference play to balance strength of schedule with bowl eligibility requirements.
Big 12 Conference Schedule 2026: Nine-Game Format
The Big 12 Conference implements a nine-game conference schedule for all 16 member institutions in 2026. Each team plays three permanent opponents annually, plus six rotating conference games selected to balance competitive equity and traditional rivalries.
TCU’s 2026 conference slate includes the following opponents:
Home Conference Games:
- BYU (Saturday, October 3, 2026)
- West Virginia (Saturday, October 24, 2026)
- Kansas (Saturday, October 31, 2026)
- Kansas State (Saturday, November 14, 2026)
- Utah (Saturday, November 21, 2026)
Away Conference Games:
- at UCF (Saturday, September 26, 2026)
- at Baylor (Saturday, October 17, 2026)
- at Arizona (Saturday, November 7, 2026)
- at Texas Tech (Saturday, November 28, 2026)
TCU avoids Arizona State, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State in the 2026 rotation. The schedule provides five home games and four road games in conference play, maintaining competitive balance while preserving key regional rivalries.
TCU vs. Baylor: The Bluebonnet Battle Rivalry
TCU plays at Baylor on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the 120th meeting of college football’s oldest rivalry in Texas. The series began in 1899 when both institutions were located in Waco, Texas, predating TCU’s 1910 move to Fort Worth.
Baylor leads the all-time series 57-53-7 through the 2025 season. The Bears won the most recent matchup 37-34 in triple overtime at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 16, 2025.
The rivalry maintains significance despite conference realignment that temporarily separated the programs from 1996 to 2012. Both teams rejoined as Big 12 members in 2012 and have competed annually since that season.
McLane Stadium in Waco opened in 2014 and seats 45,140 spectators along the Brazos River. The venue replaced Floyd Casey Stadium and features premium club seating, student sections behind both endzones, and riverfront tailgating spaces.
TCU Football Schedule 2026: Key Matchup Analysis
The Utah game on Saturday, November 21, 2026, represents TCU’s most challenging home conference matchup. Utah finished the 2025 season ranked 8th nationally with an 11-2 record and won the Big 12 Championship Game. The Utes last visited Fort Worth in 2009 when both teams competed in the Mountain West Conference.
The road finale at Texas Tech on Saturday, November 28, 2026, closes the regular season. Texas Tech won the 2025 Big 12 Championship and enters 2026 as a preseason top-10 team. The rivalry game determines bowl positioning and potential tiebreaker scenarios for conference championship qualification.
TCU’s schedule strength ranks in the middle tier among Big 12 programs. The team faces Utah and Texas Tech, projected as top-15 teams, while avoiding Oklahoma State and Arizona State, which finished the 2025 season ranked in the Associated Press top 25.
TCU Football Tickets 2026: Pricing and Availability
Season tickets for the 2026 TCU football schedule start at $325 for upper-level reserved seating. Premium seating options range from $750 to $2,100 per seat, depending on location and amenities.
Individual game ticket prices vary by opponent:
| Game Category | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Non-conference (Grambling State, Arkansas State) | $43 – $75 | General sale starting June 2026 |
| Mid-tier conference (Kansas, West Virginia) | $65 – $115 | General sale starting June 2026 |
| Premium conference (BYU, Utah, Kansas State) | $85 – $185 | Season ticket holders priority |
| Ireland opener vs. North Carolina | €150 – €300 ($162 – $324) | Through Ticketmaster Ireland |
Secondary market platforms, including SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and StubHub, offer resale tickets starting at $10 for low-demand games and reaching $300 for premium matchups. Ticket prices typically increase as game day approaches, particularly for conference games with championship implications.
Student tickets are available to enrolled TCU students at no additional cost beyond athletic fees. Students access tickets through the university’s student ticketing portal beginning seven days before each home game.
How to Watch TCU Football 2026: TV and Streaming Information
Television broadcast partners and kickoff times for the 2026 TCU football schedule will be announced approximately 12 to 14 days before each game. Big 12 Conference games air primarily on ESPN, ABC, FOX, and FS1 under the conference’s media rights agreements running through the 2030-31 season.
The Ireland game against North Carolina will receive national broadcast coverage on either ESPN or ABC, following the pattern of previous Aer Lingus College Football Classic games. Week Zero matchups typically kick off between 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM Central Time.
Streaming options for TCU games include:
- ESPN+: Non-conference games against Grambling State and Arkansas State
- FOX Sports App: Games broadcast on FOX or FS1
- ESPN App: Games broadcast on ESPN networks
- Big 12 Now on ESPN+: Select mid-week conference games if scheduled
TCU Radio Network broadcasts all games with play-by-play announcer Brian Estridge. The flagship station, KTCU 88.7 FM, serves the Fort Worth market, with affiliate stations covering Dallas, Waco, and regional Texas markets. Radio broadcasts are also available through the TuneIn app and the TCU athletics website.
TCU Football Program Overview: 2026 Season Context
Head coach Sonny Dykes enters his fifth season leading the TCU football program in 2026. Dykes holds a 28-13 record through three seasons, including a 13-2 campaign in 2022 that culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance.
The coaching staff added offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis from the University of Connecticut in January 2026. Sammis replaces Garrett Riley, who departed for a head coaching position. Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos returns for his third season after joining TCU from Boise State in 2024.
TCU Football History and Championships
Texas Christian University fielded its first football team in 1896. The program has won two national championships, claiming consensus titles in 1935 and 1938 under coach Dutch Meyer. The Horned Frogs also earned a share of the national championship in 1932.
TCU has won 30 conference championships across five different conferences:
| Conference | Championships | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association | 6 | 1902, 1913, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1929 |
| Southwest Conference | 11 | 1929, 1932, 1938, 1944, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1994, 1999 |
| Conference USA | 2 | 2002, 2003 |
| Mountain West Conference | 5 | 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 |
| Big 12 Conference | 6 | 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2024, 2025 |
The program has produced 14 consensus All-Americans and two Heisman Trophy finalists: Davey O’Brien in 1938 and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2000. TCU has appeared in 39 bowl games and holds a 16-22-1 postseason record.
Amon G. Carter Stadium Capacity and Facilities
Amon G. Carter Stadium opened in 1930 and currently seats 47,000 spectators following multiple expansions and renovations. The facility is named after Amon G. Carter Sr., a Fort Worth businessman and newspaper publisher who donated funds for the original construction.
Major renovations include:
- 1956: Upper deck addition increased capacity to 44,000
- 2010-2012: East side reconstruction added club seating and premium amenities
- 2019: West side expansion project added 10,000 seats and hospitality spaces
The stadium features the Sammon Family Champions Club, a 30,000-square-foot premium seating area with climate-controlled spaces, upscale dining, and field-level views. The SuperFrog Student Section behind the north endzone accommodates 3,500 students and includes standing-room terraces.
TCU Football Schedule 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
When does TCU football play its first game in 2026?
TCU plays its first game on Friday, August 28, 2026, against North Carolina at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The game is part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and marks the earliest start to a TCU season since 1990.
How many home games does TCU have in 2026?
TCU has seven home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, during the 2026 season. The home schedule includes Grambling State, Arkansas State, BYU, West Virginia, Kansas, Kansas State, and Utah.
What time do TCU football games start in 2026?
Kickoff times for the 2026 TCU football schedule will be announced 12 to 14 days before each game. Big 12 Conference games typically start at 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM, or 7:00 PM Central Tim,e depending on television broadcast selections.
Does TCU play Texas in 2026?
No, TCU does not play the University of Texas in 2026. Texas moved to the Southeastern Conference in 2024, ending the annual Big 12 Conference series. The last TCU-Texas game occurred on November 25, 2023.
Where can I buy TCU football tickets for 2026?
TCU football tickets are available through the official TCU athletics ticket office, beginning in June 2026. Season tickets range from $325 to $2,100 per seat. Single-game tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats starting approximately four weeks before each game.
Is TCU playing SMU in 2026?
No, TCU and SMU do not play in 2026. The Iron Skillet rivalry is on hiatus following SMU’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. The schools have not announced future non-conference scheduling agreements to continue the series that began in 1915.
What channel will TCU games be on in 2026?
TCU games will air on ESPN, ABC, FOX, FS1, and ESPN+ during the 2026 season. Specific network assignments are announced 12 to 14 days before each game based on Big 12 Conference television agreements and competitive storylines.
How do I get to Amon G. Carter Stadium for TCU football games?
Amon G. Carter Stadium is located at 2850 Stadium Drive in Fort Worth, Texas, on the TCU campus. The stadium is accessible from Interstate 30 via University Drive. Trinity Metro bus routes serve the campus, and parking lots open four hours before kickoff with reserved and general admission options ranging from $20 to $40.
Big 12 Conference Championship Qualification
Teams qualify for the Big 12 Championship Game by finishing among the top two teams in conference standings. TCU must win at least six conference games to guarantee bowl eligibility and improve championship positioning.
The 2026 Big 12 Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game features the top two teams in conference standings based on winning percentage, with head-to-head results serving as the first tiebreaker.
TCU won the Big 12 Championship in 2022 and 2024, earning automatic bids to the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl, respectively. The program has competed in the championship game four times since rejoining the conference in 2012.
TCU Football Roster and Recruiting for 2026
The 2026 TCU football roster features returning starters at quarterback, running back, and multiple positions on both offensive and defensive lines. Quarterback David Potter returns as the expected starter after completing 62% of passes for 2,847 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025.
The recruiting class of 2026 includes Jesse Ford, a four-star quarterback prospect from Aledo, Texas, rated as the program’s highest-ranked signee. Ford is the 247Sports Composite’s 12th-ranked dual-threat quarterback nationally.
TCU signed 22 players during the early signing period in December 2025, addressing needs at wide receiver, defensive back, and offensive line. The class ranks 8th among Big 12 Conference programs according to 247Sports team recruiting rankings.
TCU Football Bowl Projections 2026
Preseason bowl projections place TCU in the Alamo Bowl, Texas Bowl, or Liberty Bowl based on anticipated conference finish and strength of schedule. The Horned Frogs require six wins to achieve bowl eligibility.
Big 12 Conference teams have access to the following bowl agreements for 2026:
- College Football Playoff (Big 12 champion automatic qualifier)
- Sugar Bowl (CFP rotation)
- Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, Texas)
- Texas Bowl (Houston, Texas)
- Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee)
- Independence Bowl (Shreveport, Louisiana)
- Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Phoenix, Arizona)
TCU’s schedule provides eight games against teams that finished with winning records in 2025, creating multiple opportunities for quality wins. The road schedule includes games at Baylor, Arizona, and Texas Tech, all teams that won eight or more games in 2025.
The 2026 TCU football schedule presents a balanced mix of international exposure, home games, and competitive conference matchups. The season opener in Dublin provides national visibility, while the Big 12 slate includes games against projected top-25 teams Utah and Texas Tech.
TCU’s path to bowl eligibility and conference championship contention depends on performance in October and November conference games, particularly the three-game home stand against West Virginia, Kansas, and Kansas State.
