TCU football’s star receiver severely limited by injury against Arizona State
Star TCU receiver Eric McAlister played only sparingly Friday against Arizona State and did not record a catch.
The preseason All-Big 12 receiver did not play during the Horned Frogs’ first series. The senior played a few snaps on the second series and just one snap on TCU’s third series before running off the field with a slight limp and signaling for freshman Dozie Ezukanma to come into the game.
McAlister returned for the Horned Frogs’ first drive of the third quarter, but was held out for the remainder of the game.
McAlister was not listed on the injury report throughout the week. A TCU official said McAlister had a lower-body injury.
“[McAlister] was injured. He pulled something in a run-through on Friday,” Dykes said. “He thought he would be able to play through it, and he just couldn’t do it. Obviously that hurt us.”
McAlister is coming off one of the best individual performances this season after he had eight receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns in TCU’s 35-24 win over SMU in the final Battle for the Iron Skillet.
The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 17-0 lead despite not having McAlister for most of the first half before Arizona State cut the lead to 17-14 at halftime.
TCU ended up losing 27-24. McAlister did not record a reception. Ezukanma had just one catch for 17 yards.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 9:29 PM.
