One of TCU football’s staples the last three seasons is headed to the transfer portal
TCU football received surprising news Tuesday night when veteran defensive end Ochaun Mathis informed the coaching staff of his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Mathis made his decision public on Wednesday, posting a message on social media that read in part: “These last four years have been truly unforgettable and I want to thank everyone who has watched and supported me.
“I would also like to thank my teammates, trainers, the former coaching staff, and current coaching staff for pushing me to be my best. Most importantly, I would like to thank our loyal fans who have cheered me on and shown me so much love.
“I believe that it is in my best interest to reopen my recruitment. I am excited for the new journey that is ahead of me.”
Mathis was on campus for the offseason workouts Monday and Tuesday, however, determined that the best way to improve his NFL Draft stock going forward is by moving on. TCU is transitioning its defense to a 3-3-5 scheme under new coordinator Joe Gillespie from Gary Patterson’s signature 4-2-5 defense.
Improving the pass rush ranks among the top priorities for the incoming staff under Sonny Dykes and Gillespie. The Frogs ranked at the bottom in the Big 12 in sacks last year, combining for just 15 in 12 games.
Mathis has been the Frogs’ best pass rusher in the last two seasons, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2020 and 2021 under the tutelage of Patterson. With Patterson reportedly eyeing an analyst-type role at Texas, speculation is already swirling that Mathis could follow Patterson to Austin.
But Patterson to UT isn’t official yet and Mathis is expected to consider all of his options.
Mathis has started every game for the Horned Frogs the past three seasons. He had 4.0 sacks and 7.0 tackles for loss in 12 games last season. Mathis recorded a team-best 9.0 sacks in 2020. Those were the most by a Horned Frog since Mat Boesen had 11.5 sacks in 2017. Mathis also had 14 tackles for loss that season, which ranked third in the Big 12 and tied for 12th in the country.
Mathis started all 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2019, recording nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He played in four games to preserve his redshirt as a true freshman in 2018.
Mathis, who joined the program as a three-star prospect out of Manor High School, was the program’s active leader in career tackles for loss (30.5) and sacks (15.5).
With Mathis leaving the program, TCU’s top returning defensive ends include Dylan Horton, Khari Coleman, Thomas Armstrong and Colt Ellison.
TCU is in the midst of offseason workouts with spring practices expected to start March 22. The spring game is scheduled for Friday, April 22 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 9:21 PM.
