8 TCU football freshmen who could see playing time against Abilene Christian
For teams like TCU, one of the few benefits of playing an FCS program like Abilene Christian is the opportunity to get younger players live game reps.
There’s nothing more valuable to the development of first- or second-year players than actually getting in a game and going full speed against somebody besides their own teammates.
The Horned Frogs were able to get a number of promising freshmen into the game against North Carolina, and there should be an opportunity to do the same against Abilene Christian.
The Wildcats are coming off a conference title and FCS playoff appearance, but Abilene Christian already lost to Tulsa 35-7 this season. TCU could easily match that score in the first half Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium, leaving plenty of time for backups to get into the game.
So which freshmen Frogs could make their debuts or continue to get more reps? Here are a few rising TCU players who could see extended action Saturday:
Cornerback Gil Jackson
The 6-foot-3 cornerback had a strong fall camp despite his youth and earned playing time in the blowout win over the Tar Heels.
Jackson played nine snaps on defense against North Carolina, according to Pro Football Focus, and held his own. Going up against Abilene Christian’s experienced receivers would be a good development opportunity for Jackson.
Defensive end Chad Woodfork
Woodfork was the highest-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and got his first taste of Power Four football with three snaps against North Carolina. TCU would love to get the former top-100 prospect double-digit snaps Saturday.
Wide receiver Jacobe Hayes
The former Mansfield standout was the breakout star of fall camp and earned a small role against the Tar Heels with two snaps. The dynamic speedster could get the first touches of his career against Abilene Christian.
Quarterback Adam Schobel
Backup quarterback Ken Seals will get most of the reps when the second-team offense comes into the game, but if the margin is big enough, there may be time to get Schobel a drive or two. The former four-star recruit is talented but raw, and would benefit greatly from live reps.
Receivers Ed Small and Terry Shelton
Both played more than a dozen snaps against the Tar Heels and should get even more snaps against the Wildcats. Small has been a standout since the spring, while Shelton, a former four-star recruit, came on strong during the fall.
Running back Jon Denman
Denman was able to receive a solid workload against the Tar Heels with seven carries for 26 yards. He runs hard and can also rip off chunk plays. With SMU looming, Denman could receive even more carries as TCU keeps its other backs, including starter Kevorian Barnes, fresh with a light workload Saturday.
Offensive lineman Witten Van Hoy
The 6-foot-6 lineman is a physically imposing player who impressed during the offseason. Van Hoy played more than a dozen snaps against North Carolina and had the best blocking grade of the four tackles that played, according to PFF. Freshman offensive lineman Kilian Registe from Keller could also receive his first snaps as a Horned Frog.
