Game Thread: TCU Football at UCF Knights

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 19: The TCU Horned Frogs mascot SuperFrog celebrates the team's win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images TCU Horned Frogs (2-1; 0-0 Big 12) open its Big 12 conference schedule on the road in Orlando, FL against the UCF Knights (2-1; 0-0 Big 12), each looking to begin league play with a win after suffering close losses to ACC foes during the non conference slate. The programs have one played once previously, a Knights win in Fort Worth in 2024 where the Horned Frogs got outscored 28-13 in the 2nd half to suffer a demoralizing 35-34 defeat.

class="wp-block-paragraph">UCF will be without starting quarterback Alonza Barnett due to an injury, turning to former FIU QB Keyone Jenkins to lead the offense for the second straight game. With Barnett sidelined, the Knights offense revolves around Duke Watson who ran for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win over Georgia State.

class="wp-block-paragraph">TCU has been dealing with its own injury issues as presumptive WR1 Jordan Dwyer has been out for the first three games, but appears primed to return to the field for the first time this season. Ed Small has taken up the role of top wideout while the offense has also used TEs Kari Ashley and Ka’Morreun Pimpton to great effect this season. RB Jeremy Payne is the heartbeat of the offensive attack, averaging 5.3 yards per carry while serving as the fulltime workhorse runner.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Which team will get off to a 1-0 start to leap to the top of the league standings and which will fall to the basement? Join the conversation in the comment section below as we ride the game day rollercoaster together. Go Frogs!