College Sports Established
1923
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
College Name
Texas Christian University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1923 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2012 – Present / Big 12 Conference
2005 – 2012 / Mountain West Conference
2001 - 2005 / Conference USA
1996 - 2001 / Western Athletic Conference
1923 - 1996 / Southwest Conference
Nickname
Horned Frogs - The TCU Horned Frogs have been a beloved collegiate sports team for years, and their unique nickname has become synonymous with the university. But where did this name come from? Look at the origins of one of college athletics' most iconic nicknames.
The Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs nickname dates back to 1897 when newspaper reporters first used it covering TCU football games. The story goes that an opposing coach described his players as “Horned Frogs” after they fought off several attacks from giant bullfrogs on campus during practice sessions! This description eventually caught on and became the official mascot for all TCU teams, including its NCAA Division I programs in football, baseball, basketball, and more.
Although there are many theories about why this nickname was explicitly chosen for TCU athletes, some believe it is because horned frogs can be found throughout much of North Texas, where TCUs main campus is located - making them both native to Fort Worth and uniquely associated with those who attend or work at the university. Additionally, these amphibians possess horns that make them particularly intimidating opponents - something any athlete would strive to emulate!
Regardless of its origin, though, one thing remains clear: The legendary moniker “Horned Frog” will continue inspiring generations upon generations not only as an athletic symbol but also as a representation of what makes up true Texan spirit – tenacity, resilience, courage & strength!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2000
- 2001
- 2012
- 2016
- 2022
-
TCU Horned Frog LaDainian Tomlinson
Tomlinson accepted an athletic scholarship at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, then a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). He played for the TCU Horned Frogs from 1997 to 2000. Prior to Tomlinson’s arrival, TCU had appeared in only one bowl game in the previous 12 seasons (and two in the previous 34) and had recently been ... -
TCU hires Gary Patterson as its head football coach
In 2001: TCU hires Gary Patterson as its head football coach, who would go on to become the winningest coach in program history. TCU paid former football coach Gary Patterson an $11.5 million separation payment in 2021. -
TCU joins the Big 12 Conference as a new member.
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors have voted unanimously to accept Texas Christian University as a full conference member, effective July 1, 2012. The addition of TCU maintains Big 12 membership at 10 institutions. It is the first new member to join the Conference since it began in 1996. The Horned Frogs will begin competing in all sports with ... -
TCU Wins 2016 Big 12 Baseball Championship
In 2016: TCU wins its first Big 12 baseball title and reaches the College World Series for the fourth consecutive year. -
TCU wins its first Big 12 football title
In 2022: TCU wins its first Big 12 football title and plays in the Fiesta Bowl, finishing the season ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Horned Frogs
Since its inception in 1895, TCU has had many great athletes come through its doors, including Heisman Trophy winners Davey O'Brien (1938) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2000). The school also boasts several national titles, including two Division I-A Football Championships (1935 & 1938) and multiple Big 12 Conference titles since joining that league in 2012. In addition to these accolades, TCU is known for producing exceptional NFL talent, such as Andy Dalton, who was drafted by Cincinnati Bengals at pick #35 overall during the 2011 NFL Draft; Josh Doctson, who was selected 22nd overall by Washington Redskins during the 2016 NFL Draft; Trevone Boykin taken undrafted but signed with Seattle Seahawks after 2016 draft ended; KaVontae Turpin chosen up by Houston Texans shortly after 2019 draft concluded - just to name a few!
On top of all this success on paper, however, lies something even more impressive: an unwavering commitment from students and staff alike towards excellence not only athletically but academically too – earning them recognition among some very prestigious circles within higher education institutions worldwide! This dedication can be seen clearly throughout each season, whether it’s winning or losing games because everyone involved works together tirelessly to ensure every student-athlete gets what they need to succeed at whatever level possible while still maintaining the highest standards of integrity across the board when representing the university out there competing against other schools nationwide. So next time you hear about “TCU Horned Frogs,” remember why the team stands tall amongst many others today—it takes hard work and determination to make sure your dreams become a reality, no matter how big or small those may be!