TCU to Face Kansas Without Payne and Simms
The Horned Frogs prepare for their October 31 matchup with key players sidelined due to injury.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football
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Junior running back Jeremy Payne is doubtful and sophomore safety Julius Simms is out for the TCU game against Kansas on October 31. The team looks to regroup at Amon G. Carter Stadium following a narrow loss last week.
Why it matters
The absence of TCU's primary offensive weapon and a key defensive contributor complicates the team's strategy heading into the game. Coaches must now adapt their game plan to account for missing production in both the rushing attack and the secondary.
Jeremy Payne leads the team with 429 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 88 carries. Defensive contributor Julius Simms enters the game week having recorded 16 tackles and one fumble recovery this season.
The players
Jeremy Payne
He is a junior running back currently leading the Horned Frogs in rushing attempts, yardage, and total touchdowns.
Julius Simms
He is a sophomore nickel safety who has provided consistent production for the defense with 16 tackles and a fumble recovery.
The details
Payne sustained his injury during the first drive of the October 17 game against Baylor. Meanwhile, the Horned Frogs are coming off a 24-20 loss to West Virginia where the offense managed only 112 total rushing yards.
Timeline
Jeremy Payne was injured in the game against Baylor on October 17.
TCU lost 24-20 to West Virginia on October 24.
TCU faces Kansas at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 31 at 2:30 p.m.
Season Trajectory
These personnel losses force an immediate rotation change that could impact the team's standing in the conference rankings. How the coaching staff fills these roles will define whether the Horned Frogs can maintain their competitive balance for the remainder of the season.
Fantasy football managers and bettors should note the significant drop in projected rushing volume for the Horned Frogs offense without Payne. Defensively, the absence of Simms removes a starter who has contributed 16 tackles, forcing the secondary to rely on reserve personnel.
The takeaway
Depth becomes the defining factor for the team as they navigate the remainder of their fall schedule. Fans should expect to see younger players receive increased snap counts as the roster adapts to these absences.
Further reading
For more news on local collegiate athletics, visit the Fort Worth Football section.
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