FORT WORTH, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 19: Ed Small #18 of the TCU Horned Frogs is brought down by Makai Shahid #4 of the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
FORT WORTH — Jaden Craig threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns, receiver Ed Small had a breakout game and the TCU defense again held its opponent to a single touchdown in the Horned Frogs’ 31-7 victory over Arkansas State on Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Five takeaways from the Frogs’ victory:
Defense keeps Arkansas State in check
TCU’s defense kept pressure on Arkansas State throughout, forcing incomplete passes and three-and-outs while limiting the Red Wolves’ offensive production to just 261 yards and 11 first downs.
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The one blemish for the Frogs was a late second-quarter drive in which the Red Wolves went 84 yards for a touchdown.
Defensive end Koron Hayward picked up the Frogs’ first sack of the night in the fourth quarter.
Jamel Johnson was back on the field this week following a foot injury. The safety finished with seven tackles, including five solo stops, and recorded one quarterback hurry.
Offense finds rhythm
The Frogs’ offense got off to a slow start but found its rhythm after quarterback Jaden Craig connected with Ed Small for a 52-yard gain. Jeremy Payne got TCU on the board with a 3-yard touchdown run.
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Compared with the defense, the offense appeared out of sync early and struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
Small played a major role in the offense’s performance and had a career-high game, finishing with seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. His 52-yard reception was the longest play of the game, and his 164 receiving yards accounted for a significant portion of TCU’s offensive production.
“It felt really good,” Small said. “Had a great week of practice, great game plan coming into this game.”
Small’s big-play ability helped TCU’s offense find its rhythm and gave Craig a reliable target throughout the game.
Frogs minimized penalties
The Horned Frogs have struggled with penalties this season. TCU committed 11 penalties in its season opener against North Carolina before cutting that number in half last week against Grambling State.
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The Frogs picked up an early penalty against Arkansas State but settled down from there. TCU finished the game with just three penalties for 35 yards, continuing the team’s improvement in discipline.
“We’re improving in that area,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “We have to continue to do that.”
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 19: Jaden Craig #1 of the TCU Horned Frogs hands off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Craig delivers some nice plays despite mistakes
Craig had some inconsistencies throughout the game. Late in the first quarter, he threw an interception on a pass intended for Jacobe Hayes in the end zone, ending a promising TCU drive.
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But Craig also found Small several times for big gains, with their connection eventually leading to touchdowns. One of Craig’s best throws came on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Small that gave TCU a 14-0 lead.
“Ed is very consistent,” Dykes said. “I think Jaden and Ed are starting to get on the same page.”
Craig’s decision-making also came into question late in the first half, as TCU struggled with clock management before halftime.
But the quarterback ultimately ended the game with 21-of-29 passing for 337 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
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Family weekend for the Frogs
Family Weekend brought more than TCU students to the stands. Families from across the country filled Amon G. Carter Stadium, creating a packed crowd and a sea of purple as the Horned Frogs hosted Arkansas State.