TCU Defeated Arkansas State 31-7
The Horned Frogs secured a decisive home victory behind Jaden Craig's three touchdown passes.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
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TCU improved to a 2-1 record after defeating Arkansas State 31-7 on September 19, 2026. Quarterback Jaden Craig led the offense by throwing for 337 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
Why it matters
The win provides TCU with momentum as they move into the next phase of their season. The performance was highlighted by a record-tying 99-yard scoring drive that demonstrated the team's offensive efficiency.
Jaden Craig recorded 337 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Ed Small contributed 164 receiving yards and Jeremy Payne added 86 rushing yards. The 99-yard scoring drive tied a TCU school record previously set against Kansas.
The players
Jaden Craig
He is the starting quarterback for the TCU football team.
Ed Small
He is a wide receiver who recorded 164 yards in the victory against Arkansas State.
Jeremy Payne
He is a running back who contributed 86 rushing yards to the TCU offensive performance.
The details
TCU stifled Arkansas State with a critical fourth-down goal-line stop at the 1-yard line before marching 99 yards for a touchdown. Jeremy Payne capped the effort with a 3-yard scoring run, an opportunity set up by a 52-yard catch from Ed Small.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: TCU defeated Arkansas State 31-7.
September 26, 2026: TCU plays UCF, and Arkansas State plays Kennesaw State.
Season Trajectory
This win moves TCU to 2-1 and helps establish the team's offensive identity ahead of their upcoming matchup against UCF. Conversely, the loss drops Arkansas State to 1-2, placing added pressure on their program as they prepare for Kennesaw State.
Jaden Craig's 337-yard passing performance highlights his role as a high-volume producer for fantasy rosters and offensive projections. The team's 99-yard drive efficiency indicates a reliable ability to convert after defensive red-zone stops.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent offensive production across 99-yard drives remains a key indicator of team success in modern college football. Coaches look for these moments of momentum to define the ceiling of their squad as conference play approaches.
What happens next
TCU is scheduled to play UCF on September 26, 2026. Arkansas State is scheduled to play Kennesaw State on September 26, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's progress, visit Football.
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