Local business? Support local news on DenisonWeekly.news

Back to Sport

Carroll Pick-Six, Craig Late Score Seal TCU's 22-16 Victory Over Kansas

A defensive shift in the third quarter and a late two-point conversion allowed the TCU Horned Frogs to overcome an early Kansas lead, finishing 22-16 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Reese Stroud· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

November 1, 20262 min read

NCAA FootballFinal
Kansas Jayhawks16
TCU Horned Frogs22

October 31, 2026

Defensive Shift Changes Momentum

The decisive moment for the TCU Horned Frogs arrived in the third quarter when Max Carroll returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. That play cut Kansas’ lead to 13-7 and set the stage for TCU to take control. Prior to that, the Kansas Jayhawks had built a 13-0 lead through the first two quarters, relying on field goals from Martin Connington and a long touchdown pass. TCU held Kansas scoreless in the first half, but the Jayhawks’ early efficiency forced the home team to respond. The third-quarter interception return was the turning point that allowed TCU to shift from defense to offense and ultimately secure the win.

Late Surge Decides Game

After falling behind, TCU mounted a comeback in the final period. Ace Theus ran for a 28-yard touchdown in the third quarter to give TCU a 14-13 lead. Kansas responded in the fourth quarter with a 27-yard field goal by Connington, narrowing the gap to 16-14. However, TCU closed the game with an 8-point drive. Jaden Craig rushed for a 17-yard touchdown and converted a two-point pass to Jordan Dwyer, extending the lead to 22-16. This late surge proved decisive, as Kansas could not answer before the final whistle at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Statistical Breakdown

Jaden Craig was the standout performer for TCU, completing 13 of 29 passes for 141 yards while also rushing for 87 yards on 15 carries and scoring one touchdown. Kari Ashley contributed 50 receiving yards on three catches. For Kansas, Cole Ballard passed for 285 yards on 20 of 35 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Keaton Kubecka rushed for 58 yards on three carries, and Nahzae Cox led the receiving corps with 145 yards on five catches. Martin Connington was reliable from the line, kicking three field goals for the Jayhawks.

Final Records

The result improves the TCU Horned Frogs’ record to 4-4, while the Kansas Jayhawks drop to 3-5. The game concluded at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, with an attendance of 32,549. Both teams now move on to their next scheduled contests, with TCU holding the home-field advantage in this matchup.

Sources

ESPN

Share

Reese Stroud· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Reese Stroud covers Denison high school and area college sports.

Related Stories

Galaxy's Early Surge Defines Road Win Over Austin FC

LA Galaxy defeated Austin FC 4-1 on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. João Klauss opened the scoring in the 10th minute, setting a tone that Austin FC could not overcome despite a second-half response.

Reese StroudNovember 1, 20261 min read

More in Weather