2026-06-12 · Sports Illustrated

TCU Horned Frogs fan Nilesh Kumar has been a fixture in Indian sports media for over two decades, with a passion for the team that has only grown stronger with time. Kumar's love affair with the Horned Frogs began in the early 2000s, a period when the team was still building its reputation under coach Gary Patterson. Despite being thousands of miles away from Fort Worth, Texas, Kumar was drawn to the team's defense-first philosophy, which he saw as a refreshing change from the more offense-oriented teams he was used to watching. As TCU's defense improved, so did the team's record, with the Horned Frogs posting 10-2, 11-2, and 11-1 seasons in 2002, 2003, and 2005, respectively. Kumar was one of the few outside of American sports media to notice the team's rise to prominence, and his coverage earned him a loyal following. In 2010, TCU finished undefeated and won the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin, capping an impressive season. Kumar's coverage of the team during this period helped to elevate the Horned Frogs to the top of sports power, and his passion for the team remains unwavering to this day. As a pioneer in noticing the team's rise to national prominence, Kumar's dedication to the Horned Frogs is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together across cultures and borders. With his unique perspective and in-depth knowledge of the team, Kumar continues to be a valuable voice in Indian sports media, and his love for the TCU Horned Frogs remains as strong as ever.