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There's a different vibe surrounding TCU men's basketball as the 2026-27 season approaches. Following a strong finish last year, the Horned Frogs have a chance to capitalize on that momentum and attract more national attention. Under head coach Jamie Dixon, TCU is poised to take another step forward in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference.
Last season, the Horned Frogs posted a 23-12 overall record and an 11-7 mark in conference play, finishing sixth in the rugged Big 12. They also secured another NCAA Tournament victory, defeating Ohio State in the first round before falling to Duke, 81-58, in the second round. Despite the disappointing ending, there were plenty of positives to take away, and several key contributors are returning to Fort Worth, providing a solid foundation as the team integrates new players into the rotation.
Key Analysis
The 2025-26 season was a rollercoaster for TCU. An early frustrating loss to New Orleans had fans hitting the panic button, and the nonconference schedule was challenging, featuring Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. However, there were highlights, such as impressive wins over No. 10 Florida and Wisconsin at the Rady Children's Invitational, which demonstrated the Frogs could compete with nationally recognized programs. In conference play, TCU notched meaningful victories over No. 5 Iowa State, Texas Tech on the road, Baylor, and Oklahoma State, building confidence heading into the postseason. They carried that momentum into the Big 12 Tournament, defeating Oklahoma State before losing to Kansas. Consistency was an issue at times, particularly in losses to Colorado and Houston, revealing areas for growth in offensive execution, shooting, and ball security. The biggest takeaway was that TCU proved it could compete in one of the nation's best basketball conferences; the next challenge is doing so more consistently against programs like Kansas and Arizona. With the Horned Frogs picked seventh in the Big 12 preseason poll, they have another opportunity to surpass outside expectations.
Xavier Edmonds leads TCU's returning core, and his decision to return was especially exciting. After a breakout season in which he earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors, Edmonds enters this year as one of the Frogs' most important players. He averaged 12.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while recording 11 double-doubles, becoming one of the team's most reliable offensive weapons. His continued development could go a long way toward determining how high this team climbs. Micah Robinson is another player to watch; last season, he averaged 10.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while becoming an increasingly important part of the rotation. He started the final 12 games and scored 18 points in each of TCU's NCAA Tournament games, giving him something to build on. Brock Harding will also be an extremely important piece. The returning point guard improved TCU's ball movement last season, and his experience and playmaking should help the Frogs as they bring newcomers into the offense. His ability to distribute the basketball, control the pace, and get his teammates involved will be especially valuable while this group develops chemistry. Tanner Toolson plays with a high motor and brings an effort level that is easy to appreciate; his experience gives TCU another familiar option on the perimeter. Drew McElroy also returns, providing additional continuity within the program. This group has the opportunity to be very good, and how much the returning players improve—and how well they help the newcomers adjust—will have a lot to do with TCU's success.
The Frogs lost some important pieces, including David Punch, who averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds before transferring to Texas. His departure leaves production to replace, but it also creates an opportunity for Edmonds to fully blossom. Jayden Pierre and Liutauras Lelevicius are also gone; Pierre could give the offense a lift when his shot was falling, while Lelevicius showed growth as the season progressed. The Frogs will miss those contributions, but they have added players who could help them reach another level. One of the favorite additions is Trent Lincoln, the nation's top-ranked junior college recruit. Lincoln averaged 19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists at Gulf Coast State, and his scoring and playmaking could give TCU another valuable option in the backcourt. Gavin Sykes is another big-time addition; the Long Beach State transfer averaged 19.4 points and shot 38.7 percent from 3-point range while earning Big West Freshman of the Year honors. His ability to create offense and make shots could help address some of the inconsistency seen last season, giving Dixon another player who can put pressure on a defense when the Frogs need a basket. TCU also added size, with newcomers including 7-foot Ryan Hunt, 6-foot-10 Luke Bamgboye, and 6-foot-9 DJ Thomas. Dixon and his staff spent the offseason adding depth, size, and versatility; the question will be how quickly those pieces fit together and how effectively the newcomers complement the returning players.
There is plenty to like about this TCU basketball team, and there are good reasons to be excited about what it could become. The Frogs return several major contributors from a team that finished sixth in the Big 12 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and they have also added players in areas where they needed help. Their summer trip to Costa Rica provided an early opportunity to evaluate the roster, but putting everything together during the regular season will be a different challenge. Preseason expectations only tell us so much; last season showed that TCU could compete with some very good programs. Now, it's about taking the next step and making those performances more consistent. With Dixon entering his 11th season guiding the Frogs, this combination of returning experience and new talent could give TCU another opportunity to make noise in the Big 12. Making the NCAA Tournament remains an important goal, but this group should aim higher, working toward a deeper postseason run and a place among the conference's strongest teams. The potential is there; now it's up to the Frogs to realize it.
Stay connected with TCU Horned Frogs On SI for the latest basketball news, analysis, and updates throughout the season. Share your expectations for this year's team and which player you're most excited to watch by joining fellow Horned Frogs in the Scott & Wes Frog Fan Forum on KillerFrogs.