The six biggest questions facing TCU football in 2023

Slowly, but surely the college football season is approaching and TCU will look for another strong year after making a run to the national championship game.

Sonny Dykes quickly proved he was the right man to replace legendary coach Gary Patterson in year one, but what should be the expectations for year two?

The Horned Frogs lost a lot of talent and leadership to the NFL, but Dykes and the staff did a commendable job of replenishing the roster in the offseason. But still, how will all the pieces gel? Will the Horned Frogs be able to contend for the Big 12 once again or will there be a drop off?

Here are the six biggest question marks TCU faces for 2023:

Is Chandler Morris ready?

Last season had to be bittersweet for Morris. He beat out Max Duggan in fall camp and was poised to put up big numbers in Sonny Dykes’ offense. Instead Morris played about 2.5 quarters before exiting the season opener vs. Colorado with a knee injury. Duggan took over and never let his grip on the job slip as he led TCU to the national championship game and finished second in Heisman voting.

Now, all signs point to 2023 being Morris’ time and how he performs will be among the biggest factors in how successful the Horned Frogs will be this season. In limited action Morris has showcased his talent including a record-setting performance in an upset of Baylor in 2021. Then there are games like the ones at Colorado, where Morris’ play was uneven.

Morris will have a chance to show who he really is a player.

Can the defense take a leap?

TCU’s defense improved in the first season under defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie, but the unit still has a ways to go before becoming an elite unit. Talent won’t be an issue as the Horned Frogs have plenty of it across the board. Cornerback Josh Newton has earned preseason All-American buzz as one of the country’s top defensive backs.

The safety trio of Bud Clark, Mark Perry and Millard Bradford should at least be one of the best units in the Big 12. At linebacker Johnny Hodges should contend for all-conference honors again. Jamoi Hodge also returns in the middle and Shad Banks seemed poised to have a breakout season.

With question marks on offense, the defense will need to be good from the jump.

Who will become TCU’s go-to receiver?

TCU’s three leading receivers are now in the NFL including first round draft pick Quentin Johnston. The Horned Frogs also lost former blue chip recruit Jordan Hudson to SMU during the spring. Regardless of how Hudson performed in the spring, he was still a likely starter.

It’s a safe bet that Savion Williams and Oklahoma State transfer JP Richardson will occupy two of the three starting spots, but who emerges at the other? Alabama transfer JoJo Earle or maybe Minnesota transfer Dylan Wright? True freshman Cordale Russell missed the spring, but should still be a factor in fall camp.

There’s a lot of options, but they’re unproven in terms of being a No. 1 receiver. Who can fill the void left by Johnston?

What should we expect from the D-Line?

Pass rush was TCU’s weakness despite having Dylan Horton and Dee Winters applying pressure off the edge. Now both are in the NFL leaving a big uncertainty upfront for the Horned Frogs. Sophomore Damonic Williams will look to build upon an impressive freshman season, but he’ll need more help.

The Horned Frogs brought in plenty of talent through the transfer portal and the high school ranks. Garland true freshman Markis Deal has the size to play early along with freshman Avion Carter. But it could take time for younger players to adjust to the speed and physicality of the game. Edge Paul Oyewale had a solid spring and is a name to watch along with Tymon Mitchell.

Missouri State transfer Tico Brown and East Carolina transfer Rick D’Abreu could provide some immediate help as well. Sorting out the defensive line rotation will be essential for TCU.

How does TCU’s new offense perform?

Dykes turned to Kendal Briles to replace Garrett Riley after he departed for Clemson. Everything about Briles’ track record suggests that the Horned Frogs should remain extremely productive on that side of the ball. At his last stop in Arkansas, the Razorbacks had one of the most balanced offenses in the league and were one of the top rushing attacks nationally.

The ground was important under Riley and will remain so under Briles. The Horned Frogs still had a ways to go in terms of installing the offense in the spring, but you could already see how the offense will be different with more quick passes and movement with the quarterbacks.

A new system with new starters could mean early hiccups. How quickly can the offense master Briles’ scheme?

Who will be RB1?

Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado were among the best running back duos in the country, but both departed for the NFL and now TCU must replace more than 2,000 rushing yards. Alabama transfer Trey Sanders and Emani Bailey battled in the spring along with Trent Battle.

The battle likely will continue in fall camp, which could allow true freshman Cam Cook to get into the mix. It’s another group that’s talented, but unproven. One thing that should allow for a relatively smooth transition is the offensive line.

Andrew Coker and Brandon Coleman are potential draft picks next year at tackle while John Lanz and Jackson State transfer Willis Patrick had solid springs in the interior.