TCU football is gearing up for a landmark start to its 2026 campaign, opening the season against the University of North Carolina in a historic matchup scheduled for August 29 in Dublin, Ireland. The game marks the Horned Frogs' first-ever appearance on Irish soil and adds an international flavor to a schedule that has traditionally been anchored in the United States.
Countdown to Kickoff
As part of the Countdown to Kickoff series, TCU is spotlighting former players whose jersey numbers correspond to the number of days remaining until the opener. The countdown has drawn attention to Travin Howard, a linebacker whose collegiate career was defined by relentless production and leadership.
Howard recorded over 100 total tackles in each of his final three seasons at Texas Christian University, finishing his Horned Frogs career with 343 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a pick‑six. His consistency earned him All‑Big 12 honors multiple times and the Defensive MVP award in the 2022 Alamo Bowl, a distinction that made him the first player in school history to lead the team in tackles for three straight years.
From College to the Pros
After going undrafted in 2018, Howard signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a seventh‑round pick. He appeared in 29 NFL games, making two starts and contributing 44 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception. Following four seasons with the Rams, he signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2023 and later spent time with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League in 2024, continuing to showcase his versatility on special teams and defense.
A Legacy in the Making
Howard’s impact extended beyond statistics; his presence helped shape a defensive culture that emphasized discipline and relentless effort. He played under head coach Gary Patterson, whose long tenure at TCU left an indelible mark on the program’s identity and player development. Patterson’s mentorship contributed to Howard’s growth into a three‑time All‑Big 12 selection and a model of consistency for future Horned Frogs.
The upcoming Dublin showdown not only represents a personal milestone for Howard, whose jersey number 32 will be commemorated in the countdown, but also a symbolic step forward for the entire TCU program. As the team prepares to face a storied UNC squad on foreign turf, the excitement surrounding the match reflects a broader ambition to expand the Horned Frogs’ footprint on the national stage.