Introduction to the Iron Skillet Rivalry
The Iron Skillet rivalry between TCU and SMU has been a longstanding tradition, with the two teams facing off against each other for over a century. Despite being told that players and students no longer care about the rivalry, the recent game at Amon Carter Stadium proved otherwise. Nearly half of TCU’s student population turned out to watch the game, setting a school record. The star of the Horned Frogs’ 35-24 win even boasted about having bragging rights over his SMU friends.
The Coaches’ Perspectives
TCU coach Sonny Dykes admitted that he was the reason SMU won last year’s game, as he got caught up in the hype and was kicked out of the game. On the other hand, SMU coach Rhett Lashlee stated that he hates losing to TCU but won’t give it a second thought from now on. However, his statement seemed a bit insincere, as he protested a little too much. The question remains, does any of this sound like people who don’t care about the rivalry?
The End of an Era
For the record, TCU takes blame for ending the series, while SMU voted to continue it. However, after Saturday’s loss, which might have ruined their playoff chances, the sentiment might have changed. The cessation of the rivalry is being called a "business decision" by Sonny Dykes. He believes that playing a full complement of power conference schools is not affordable. Nevertheless, there are ways to schedule games against weaker teams without sacrificing the third-oldest rivalry among Texas’ FBS schools.
The Danger of Nonconference Rivalry Games
Coaches are wary of rivalry games because of the emotions involved. The Mustangs might not be as strong as they were last year, but they still managed to hang around due to Kevin Jennings’ creativity. They even took the lead in the fourth quarter before the Frogs reasserted themselves with a couple of game-clinching picks by Jamel Johnson. Sonny Dykes knows firsthand what can happen when emotions run high in football, as he got caught up in the hype last year and lost the game.
The Rematch
Going into the rematch, Sonny Dykes did what he usually does. As someone who has coached at both schools, he knows the rivalry from both sides. He’s also the winner at 6-2 in the series, if you count his 2017 season as a TCU analyst. He was happy to note his series record at the postgame presser, responding to social media speculation that he might have been afraid of playing SMU year in and year out. "I ain’t too scared," he said.
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee talks with TCU head coach Sonny Dykes before an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Fort Worth.
TCU’s Chances
With a quarterback like Josh Hoover, who passed for 379 yards and five touchdowns, TCU has no reason to be afraid. Their Big 12 schedule, which kicks off Friday against Arizona State, looks wide open. Sonny Dykes’ roster might be the most talented since his run to the national title game. He’s also got a talented receiver in Eric McAlister, who caught eight passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. McAlister was denied two other touchdowns, one of which was stolen by SMU’s Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, and the other was ruled incomplete after a replay.
The Future of the Rivalry
Unless something changes, TCU has won the last game in the series and will keep the Iron Skillet. The current trophy is the third Skillet, and it remains to be seen if the current group will take better care of it than previous iterations. Sonny Dykes joked about getting a sledgehammer and breaking the Skillet, but he was likely just kidding. The end of the rivalry will leave a bad taste in the mouths of the Mustangs for a long time.
Conclusion
The Iron Skillet rivalry might be coming to an end, but it will always be remembered as a fierce and competitive series between two Texas teams. The emotions and intensity of the games will be missed, but the memories will live on. As the teams move forward, they will always be aware of the rivalry and the bragging rights that come with it.
FAQs
Q: What is the Iron Skillet rivalry?
A: The Iron Skillet rivalry is a longstanding tradition between TCU and SMU, with the two teams facing off against each other for over a century.
Q: Why is the rivalry coming to an end?
A: The rivalry is coming to an end due to a "business decision" by TCU, which believes that playing a full complement of power conference schools is not affordable.
Q: Who won the last game in the series?
A: TCU won the last game in the series, 35-24.
Q: What is the current state of the Iron Skillet trophy?
A: The current trophy is the third Skillet, and it remains to be seen if the current group will take better care of it than previous iterations.
Q: Will the rivalry be missed?
A: Yes, the rivalry will be missed by fans and players alike, as it has been a fierce and competitive series between two Texas teams.
