The TCU Horned Frogs are off to a 5-2 start to the 2025-26 season, and they’ll get another measuring-stick matchup Friday when they face Notre Dame.
A Rising Star Driving TCU’s Fast Start
This comes a week after impressive back-to-back wins over Florida and Wisconsin that started to turn national attention toward Fort Worth.
At the center of that momentum is guard Brock Harding, who has quickly become one of the most productive and unique players in men’s college basketball. Harding is the only player in the country averaging at least 10 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game, a rare combination that TCU proudly highlighted on social media Wednesday night.
From Illinois Phenom to Big 12 Breakout
Harding’s story has been one long climb. The 6-foot guard from Moline, Illinois was a local legend before ever stepping foot on a college floor. He starred at Moline High School, earning Illinois’ 2023 Mr. Basketball. He became the first Western Big Six player to win the award since 2011 and helped guide his Maroons to a 35-3 state championship season.
He saved one of his best performances for last, dropping 27 points in the title game win over Benet Academy. Harding capped his senior year averaging 18.4 points while building a reputation as one of the toughest and most intelligent guards in the Midwest.
Development and Frustration in Iowa City
Harding chose Iowa for his first college stop and played under longtime head coach Fran McCaffrey. His freshman season came with growing pains, averaging just over 10 minutes per game on a team that struggled to find identity but managed an NIT berth.
Year two showcased his growth. Harding started 24 games, averaged 8.8 points per game, dished out 5.3 assists, and shot efficiently, hitting nearly 46 percent of his field goals and just under 40 percent from three. His playmaking landed him fourth in the Big Ten in assists, and he impressed in the conference tournament with a 15 point outing against Ohio State.
But Iowa missed the NCAA Tournament again, and when McCaffrey was let go, Harding entered the portal looking for a fresh start. TCU seized the opportunity.
A Perfect Fit in Fort Worth
Harding’s impact was immediate. In his debut against New Orleans, he played 36 minutes, posting six points and six assists. Since then, he has taken full control of the TCU offense.
His recent stretch has been especially impressive. Against Florida, he exploded for 19 points and 12 assists. He followed that performance by scoring 16 more in the win over Wisconsin. His steadiness, vision, and defense have elevated the Horned Frogs and given them the kind of reliable guard play that can change a season’s trajectory.
What’s Ahead for Harding and TCU
TCU visits North Texas on Sunday before finishing December with a four game homestand that includes Incarnate Word, Oral Roberts, Florida A&M, and Jackson State. The real test begins January 3, when Big 12 play opens with Baylor coming to town.
If Harding continues this pace, he won’t just be one of the league’s most improved players. He may become one of the defining stories of the Big 12 season.