TCU Hopes Harvard Transfer Jaden Craig Can Clean Up Turnover Issues

New offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis and a proven ball-protecting QB could be the solution to the Horned Frogs' turnover woes.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a college football quarterback's throwing action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form conveying the dynamic nature of the position.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's throwing motion captures the complexity and intensity of the position as TCU seeks to solve its turnover woes.Fort Worth Today

Over the past two seasons, TCU's offense moved the ball well but was plagued by turnovers, with former starting QB Josh Hoover throwing 42 turnovers in 31 games. The Horned Frogs are hoping Harvard transfer Jaden Craig, who had a remarkable 52-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio in three seasons with the Crimson, can fix their turnover problem. TCU also hired new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis, who is known for developing quarterbacks and implementing systems focused on ball security.

Why it matters

Turnovers were the difference between TCU being a good team and a dangerous one, as the Horned Frogs went 9-4 last season despite flashes of potential. Fixing the turnover issue is crucial if TCU wants to return to the College Football Playoff conversation.

The details

In Hoover's three seasons as TCU's starting QB, he threw 33 interceptions and lost 6 fumbles. His 13 interceptions in 12 games last season were the most of any Big 12 QB. The Horned Frogs didn't rank in the top 70 nationally in rushing yards per game during Hoover's tenure, forcing him to shoulder an enormous passing load that led to mistakes. As a transfer from Harvard, Craig had a 52-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 1.68% interception rate, a stark contrast to Hoover's 2.79% rate.

  • TCU opens the 2026 season against North Carolina on August 29 in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Over the past two seasons, TCU's offense was plagued by turnovers.

The players

Jaden Craig

A transfer quarterback from Harvard, Craig totaled 6,074 passing yards over three seasons with the Crimson and posted a remarkable 52-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Josh Hoover

TCU's former starting quarterback, Hoover threw 33 interceptions and lost 6 fumbles over three seasons as the Horned Frogs' starter.

Sonny Dykes

The head coach of TCU, Dykes acknowledged the team's turnover problem and praised Craig's size, mobility, and ball security.

Gordon Sammis

TCU's new offensive coordinator, Sammis is known for quarterback development, strong protection concepts, and a balanced run-pass approach designed to limit turnovers.

Andrew Aurich

Craig's former head coach at Harvard, Aurich believes Craig can adjust to the increased speed and competition of the Big 12.

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What’s next

TCU opens the 2026 season against North Carolina on August 29 in Dublin, Ireland, a massive stage for Craig to make his FBS debut and prove he can protect the football.

The takeaway

If Craig can bring his ball security prowess from Harvard to TCU's offense, the Horned Frogs believe they have finally found the solution to their turnover woes that have held them back in recent seasons.