2025 TCU Football Season Recap: Running Backs

Key Highlights

• Not only did Payne fill in admirably for starting running back Kevorian Barnes, who missed most of the second half of the season to injury, but it appears that Payne has finally broken out of his shell and will be the team’s RB1 going into the 2026 season. But who will the Horned Frogs have to support him in the backfield?
• Barnes, who transferred in after four years at UTSA, rushed for 443 yards and six touchdowns on 97 carries (4.6 yards per carry).
• Unfortunately, Barnes was limited to seven games due to injuries and will not have eligibility remaining, meaning his time at TCU is over. Further depleting the backfield will be the loss of fifth-year senior Trent Battle, a converted quarterback and a valuable reserve over the last few seasons.
• Battle, who’s out of eligibility, ran 64 times for 349 yards and six scores in 2025, ranking third on the team in carries and rushing yards.
• It was a career season for Battle, who played in 48 games over the last four years and proved useful as a receiver, catching 10 passes this year. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Horned Frogs also lost redshirt freshman and former three-star prospect Nate Palmer to the transfer portal.