Get to Know the TCU Horned Frogs

TCU will travel to Dublin to kick off the 2026 college football season for the highly anticipated Aer Lingus College Football Classic this August.. The Horned Frogs hail from the great state of Texas which is widely considered as the most competitive landscape for collegiate sports in all of the U.S. This storied program has been competing at the D1 level for over 130 years and has seen many changes throughout that time. 

Before the Frogs arrive in Ireland this August , we wanted to take you through just a few reasons why this program is so special.

Recent Success under Sonny Dykes

Since Sonny Dykes arrived at Texas Christian University (TCU) late in 2021 the Horned Frogs have enjoyed a resurgence. In his first 41 games, he posted a 28-13 record, placing him among the most successful TCU head coaches through their early runs. 

In 2022, TCU completed a 12-0 regular season, advanced to the College Football Playoff, defeated the Michigan Wolverines 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl, and then played in the national championship game. When it comes to standout players, that 2022 squad featured stars like quarterback Max Duggan (Heisman finalist), wide receiver Quentin Johnston (first-round NFL pick) and  linebacker Dee Winters (Fuhrman Award winner). The full list of star TCU Football alumni is a long one with tons of NFL talent such as Andy Dalton, La’Danian Tomlinson and Andy Baugh just to name a few. 

Although the 2023 season (5–7) brought challenges after so much success, the team rebounded in 2024 with a 9-4 record and a commanding 34-3 win in the New Mexico Bowl. As recently as the 31st of December 2025, TCU beat the USC Trojans in a thrilling overtime win to secure the Alamo Bowl and further add to the schools extensive history of winning big games!

Why are TCU known as The Horned Frogs?

The current Division 1 college football landscape is littered with team nicknames like ‘Panthers’, ‘Lions’, ‘Tigers’, but TCU took a different approach and put their own unique twist on it. Whilst the creature in question is actually a Texas Horned Lizard, local Texans often referred to them as ‘Horny Toads’ or ‘Horned Frogs’ and the name just stuck. Legend has it that in the early years the training facility field was full of these ‘Horned Frogs’ so much so that they became a local symbol of pride. Once TCU moved to the Fort Worth area in 1910, the nickname represented far more than just a local animal. It symbolized toughness, defense and adaptability, three qualities that would come to define the football program over the years.

Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo Tradition

TCU likes to be unique, and this rings true when it comes to the teams specific game day traditions such as their ‘Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo’ chant. Dubbed ‘The oldest cheer in the southwest’, the chant dates back to the early days of TCU when a student group crafted the chant to enhance the game day experience. The famous chant can be heard from students, alumni, fans and most notably players after a big win! The players spray water bottles across the dressing room and sing the chant, creating lasting memories and a unique tradition to take part in. 

The words of the chant are simple, so we expect our many Irish fans to have it nailed come August:

“Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo,

Lickety, Lickety, Zoo, Zoo

Who, Wah, Wah, Who

Give ’em Hell, TCU!”

Loyal Following

TCU’s fanbase is among the most loyal and close-knit in college football. Although the university itself may be smaller than many of its Power Five rivals, Horned Frog fans make up for it with their unwavering pride and passion for the color purple. On game days at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth transforms into a sea of purple. Tailgates fill the campus, the air buzzes with the “Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo” chant, and fans of all ages proudly display the signature “Go Frogs” hand sign.

What truly defines TCU’s supporters is their resilience. Whether through conference changes, rebuilding years, or thrilling playoff runs, they have consistently stood by their team. The unforgettable 2022 season under Sonny Dykes reignited that spirit nationwide, as Frog fans demonstrated their ability to compete, and cheer on the biggest stage.

You can catch the TCU Horned Frogs live in Ireland for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic when they face off against another historic program in UNC. The August matchup will mark the fifth consecutive game of the series played in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. 

You can register your interest today to receive exclusive presale access, game updates and so much more - HERE 

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