TCU Stung as Four-Star Quarterback Ty Hawkins Flips to Rival SMU In a surprising twist of recruiting fate, TCU’s football program found itself reeling as four-star quarterback Ty Hawkins flipped his commitment to cross-town rival SMU. The blow came unexpectedly on Wednesday, shaking up TCU’s recruiting class and raising questions about the future of their quarterback roster.
Hawkins had been a committed recruit for over a year, considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 class and the second highest-ranked player for TCU. Hailing from Johnson High School in San Antonio, Hawkins had built a formidable reputation as one of the state’s premier quarterbacks. Over his two seasons as a starter, he amassed impressive statistics, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 54 touchdowns while also rushing for more than 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Rumors of Hawkins’ wavering commitment began circulating earlier in the summer when he took an official visit to SMU on June 10, following it up with a visit to TCU less than two weeks later. The situation intensified when Hawkins announced his transfer to IMG Academy in Florida just a day before switching his commitment to SMU.
The sudden turn of events dropped TCU’s recruiting class in the 247Sports composite team rankings from a promising position to No. 16 overall. Despite this setback, TCU retains the top recruiting class in the Big 12 with commitments from 20 other prospects.
Losing a talent like Hawkins inevitably leaves a void in the Horned Frogs’ plans. However, TCU’s coaching staff remains optimistic about their quarterback prospects moving forward. True freshman Hauss Hejny, a standout from Aledo, is viewed as a strong candidate for the future. With Hejny potentially redshirting this season, he could emerge as a pivotal player for TCU in the coming years.
The timing of Hawkins’ decommitment poses challenges for TCU, especially given that many of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class have already committed elsewhere. The coaching staff now faces the task of either convincing another prospect to flip their commitment or exploring transfer options that align with the team’s needs.
Looking ahead, TCU’s upcoming clash with SMU on September 21 adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The rivalry game takes on heightened significance with Hawkins now on the Mustangs’ roster, potentially adding fuel to an already intense matchup.
For TCU fans and stakeholders, Hawkins’ decision serves as a reminder of the volatility of recruiting and the competitive landscape of college football. The loss of a prized recruit like Hawkins underscores the unpredictable nature of recruiting battles and the impact they can have on program dynamics.
As both TCU and SMU prepare for the upcoming season, the repercussions of Hawkins’ flip will undoubtedly be felt on and off the field. The Horned Frogs’ resilience in overcoming setbacks and their ability to adapt to roster changes will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the 2024 season and beyond.
In the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting, TCU’s experience with Ty Hawkins highlights the highs and lows that come with pursuing top-tier talent. While the setback is significant, it also presents opportunities for growth and adaptation as TCU continues to build towards its future goals in the competitive Big 12 conference.
