TCU lands commitment from in-state LB Noriel Dominguez

TCU is keeping one of the Lone Star State’s best defenders inside the state.

Three-star 2026 linebacker Noriel Dominguez committed in-state to the Horned Frogs over Houston on Monday.

The touted second-level defender from Richmond (Texas) Randle High School was a top priority for Sonny Dykes and realized as much during his official visit to Funky Town last month.

“Why not TCU,” Dominguez told Rivals of his commitment. “I feel like this is the best option for me. Coach (Ken) Wilson has coached great linebackers who are in the league right now and the fan base is like no other.”

“After my official visit, Coach Wilson and Coach Sonny and I sat down … they were telling me how much they care for me and my family and then Coach Sonny told me ‘We will fight for you if you’re committed or not,'” he continued. “That’s what really hit me different.”

The Horned Frogs edged out the hometown Cougars for Dominguez, who has been to Fort Worth for visits in February, April and again June 6-8 for his official visit.

TCU has been on an upward trajectory in this recruitment over the past seven months.

“Coach Dykes, Coach (Andy) Avalos, Coach (JaMarkus) McFarland and Coach Wilson sat me down and we talked for a hour straight the first week that he came to TCU he told me. He told me ‘We want you and you have a bright future’ and he promised me I will be in the league,” Dominguez explained. “We have always had a family-like bond. “

TCU bolsters its top-40 recruiting haul with a commitment from Dominguez, a touted 2026 linebacker that also enterained Notre Dame, Michigan, Texas A&M, SMU and others.

Dominguez is the 19th in-state addition to the Horned Frogs’ Lone Star State-dominant haul.

“TCU is gonna get a natty out of me — a monster and a leader linebacker on and off the field,” he said. “The style of defense they play and how they use there linebackers — they keep us versatile in the run and pass game.”

Dominguez is tabbed as the No. 63-rated linebacker in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.