The TCU Horned Frogs and North Carolina Tar Heels football teams play their next game on August 29, 2026, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

The TCU Horned Frogs and North Carolina Tar Heels play their season opener Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

Neil Nakahodo, McClatchy

Illustration by Neil Nakahodo

TCU’s push to go from good to great begins about 4,500 miles from Fort Worth.

After consecutive 9-4 seasons, the Horned Frogs open a new era with Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig, new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis and rising running back Jeremy Payne expected to play a key role in the backfield.

The Horned Frogs face Bill Belichick and North Carolina on Saturday at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a rematch of last season’s 48-14 TCU victory — and the first international game in either program’s history.

Download our exclusive poster to commemorate TCU’s season opener against UNC in Ireland.

Illustration of TCU running back Jeremy Payne


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Neil Nakahodo

The Kansas City Star

Neil Nakahodo is a graphic artist at The Kansas City Star. He’s been with the company for over 20 years, producing illustrations, graphics and videos.