2025 TCU football preview: Will a deeper defensive line lead to a better run defense?
After struggling in the first half of the season, TCU’s defensive line played much better in the latter half of the season despite missing some key contributors.
Entering 2025, head coach Sonny Dykes has his deepest collection of defensive linemen up front from a former freshman All-American to a number of key transfer portal additions.
TCU is hoping the increase in bodies will lead to an improvement in its rushing defense which allowed 160.5 yards per game and over four yards per carry. The lack of physicality and depth doomed TCU in close losses to UCF and Baylor, which kept the Horned Frogs out of the Big 12 title game.
But the Horned Frogs also ranked fourth in the conference in sacks as Andy Avalos’ scheme created more quarterback pressure. Now the goal for TCU is to be in the top five in both sacks and rushing defense as the unit looks to take another step in Avalos’ second season.
The Star-Telegram continues its TCU football preview with a look at the defensive line:
Defensive line
Starters: Ansel Din-Mbuh, Markis Deal, Zach Chapman, Devean Deal
Next up: Paul Oyewale, Tristan Johnson, Perry Cole Jr., Travis Jackson, Jonathan Bax
Depth: Sterlin Brooks, Jared Martin, John Schobel, Thomas Coppinger, Chad Woodfork, Micheal Ibukun-Okeyode, Connor Lingren, Brody Whatley, Floyd Guidry, Kelten Mickell, Blake Robinett
Breakdown: The Horned Frogs’ starting unit should be among the best in the Big 12 led by Deal and Din-Mbuh. Deal was TCU’s best edge rusher last year with a team high 5.5 sacks. A versatile defender, Deal can get after the quarterback and can also drop back in coverage when needed. The Horned Frogs landed Din-Mbuh out of the transfer portal from Washington State, where he led the Cougars with six sacks last season.
Din-Mbuh should form a strong duo in the interior with Deal’s younger brother Markis. Deal played a big role in turning around the defense when he was inserted into the starting lineup against Kansas. He started the final seven games he appeared in and the Horned Frogs missed him badly when he was sidelined with an injury in a close loss to Baylor. Deal could develop into a top notch run stopper at his current pace.
At the other defensive end spot should be Chapman or Oyewale. Chapman was voted a freshman All-American last season after he finished tied for second with three sacks. Chapman was forced to play inside at times last year due to a lack of bodies, but with improved depth he’ll play his more natural position.
Oyewale missed the entire 2024 season and the spring after being a starter in 2023. At worst, he should be viable option in the rotation if he’s unable to supplant Chapman. The rest of the defensive line room is young or relatively unproven.
Johnson had a standout spring with the second and third team defense and should get on the field this season as a redshirt freshman. Jackson is another second-year player with plenty of potential after he appearing in 13 games and recording sacks against Oklahoma State and Arizona. He also had an athletic interception against the Cowboys, showcasing his versatility.
The Horned Frogs will hope to get a big season from Bax, who is back at the edge rusher, which he excelled at in high school. At defensive tackle, TCU brought in Cole from Trinity Valley Community College, where he was ranked a top-10 JUCO defensive linemen.
Woodfork, Martin and Ibukun-Okeyode are three more names to watch. Woodfork was the top-ranked signee in TCU’s 2025 class and received valuable reps during the spring with the second and third team defense. Even if it’s just on special teams, the staff will find ways to get him on the field. Martin was also a four-star signee that the staff has high hopes for.
Ibukun-Okeyode was set for a bigger role in 2024, but was sidelined for the season with an injury. He’ll be eager to get back in the rotation with a solid fall camp.
Best case scenario: The Horned Frogs are much better against the run thanks to having more depth while the Deal brothers and Chapman have breakout seasons, combining for over 10 sacks. TCU has one of the best defenses in the Big 12 as a result.
Worst case scenario: Even with the increased depth, TCU only sees modest improvement in the rushing defense. The Horned Frogs still excel at producing sacks, but the inability to stop the run leads to close losses against run heavy teams like Baylor and Kansas State.
