TCU

4 looks at the football rivalry between TCU and SMU

Stories by Fort Worth Star-Telegram journalists, with AI summarization

The TCU-SMU rivalry, symbolized by the Battle for the Iron Skillet, showcases a mix of historical connection, athletic ambition, and regional tension.

The rivalry's roots date back decades, amplifying the competitive dynamic between two private schools striving for recognition on the national stage. Recent developments, such as SMU's entry into the Atlantic Coast Conference through strategic financial decisions, reinforce its aspirations, challenging TCU's established prominence.

While both programs have faced eras of growth and setbacks, the competition underscores broader themes in college athletics, including the impact of media rights, enrollment pressures, and the modern struggle to balance tradition with evolving commercial priorities. As the rivalry potentially pauses after 2025, it reflects the shifting currents of college football's future.

Jul 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; National College Football Foundation president Steve Hatchell speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports By image not found

NO. 1: CONFERENCE COMMISSIONER WHO ‘ASKED’ TCU & SMU TO LEAVE SEES A TROUBLING FUTURE

Steve Hatchell was tasked to form the Big 12; his view of college football’s future could put TCU & SMU in hard spot. | Published September 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mac Engel

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson shows off Dallas’ emblem on SMU’s jerseys and helmet.

NO. 2: DALLAS MAYOR ERIC JOHNSON WEARS ANTI-TCU SHIRT AHEAD OF TEAM’S RIVALRY GAME AGAINST SMU

TCU and SMU will play in the Battle for the Iron Skillet on Saturday and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wore an anti-TCU shirt to show the Mustangs’ support. | Published September 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by ldow@star-telegram.comLawrence Dow

TCU coach Sonny Dykes was ejected from Saturday’s game at SMU on Saturday.

NO. 3: WHY WAS TCU COACH SONNY DYKES EJECTED DURING THE BATTLE FOR THE IRON SKILLET VS. SMU?

Horned Frogs head coach, who has also coached SMU, was ejected in third quarter of non-conference rivalry game. | Published September 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Steven Johnson

TCU mascot Super Frog hops into the student section during a college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the SMU Mustangs at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. By Chris Torres

NO. 4: IT TOOK MORE THAN A YEAR, BUT SMU CAUGHT TCU & HAS ONE BIG ADVANTAGE HERE

SMU is in the ACC title game, & there is one area where the Ponies have a leg up on TCU: Home stadiums | Published November 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mac Engel

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.