Imagine a basketball player whose journey is as captivating as his on-court performance. Meet Tanner Toolson, a former BYU Cougar who’s now making waves with the TCU Horned Frogs. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a limited stint at BYU due to injury, Toolson’s transfer to TCU has sparked debates about player resilience and the impact of family legacy in college sports. Let’s dive into his story.
In his debut season at TCU, Toolson has primarily been a bench player, averaging 8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game. Yet, the junior guard believes the best is yet to come for both himself and the Horned Frogs (19-10, 9-7 Big 12), who are in contention for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. ‘When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure how the season would unfold,’ Toolson admitted. ‘It hasn’t been perfect—we’ve lost some games, and I haven’t performed as consistently as I’d hoped. But the key is to keep showing up and fighting. We’re peaking at the right time.’
BYU fans remember Toolson, one of four sons of BYU legend Andy Toolson, who starred in Provo before a 10-year pro career and later coached there. Tanner followed in his father’s footsteps during the 2022-23 season at BYU, but his time was cut short after just six games due to a season-ending injury. ‘My freshman year was a rollercoaster,’ he recalled. ‘Returning injured from a mission set me back, and I had to redshirt. It was mentally and physically challenging.’
Despite the setbacks, Toolson cherishes his mission experience. ‘It strengthened my faith in Jesus Christ and taught me the value of hard work, determination, and trusting in something greater,’ he said. ‘Even though it delayed my basketball career, it was invaluable for my personal growth.’
After BYU, Toolson entered the transfer portal and landed at Utah Valley University, where he continued the family legacy alongside his brother Conner and cousins Jake and Ryan. He outshone them all by helping UVU secure its first-ever WAC regular-season title in 2025, a feat that paved his way to TCU under the guidance of coaching legend Jamie Dixon. ‘Coach Dixon’s hard-nosed style aligns with my play,’ Toolson explained. ‘I thrive on doing the gritty work—diving for balls, crashing the boards, and battling in the paint. He appreciates that, and it’s become a core part of my identity on this team.’
And this is the part most people miss: On January 14, 2026, Toolson returned to Provo with TCU to face the Cougars, his first time back since his freshman year. Though TCU lost 76-70, the experience was bittersweet. ‘Playing in the Marriott Center again was surreal,’ he said. ‘It’s wild how my path led me to the Big 12. Seeing family, friends, and old teammates like Richie Saunders made it special, even though he was injured.’
Last Saturday, TCU’s 77-68 win over Kansas State marked their sixth victory in seven games. Toolson’s 14 points pushed him past the 1,000-point milestone for his college career—a testament to his relentless drive. ‘Reaching 1,000 points is a cool milestone, but it’s not the end goal,’ he said. ‘I’ve always been a competitor, shaped by growing up with four brothers and a sister. Losing often as a kid fueled my fire. I love proving doubters wrong.’
This season, Toolson has delivered two 20-point games, including one against then-No. 1 Arizona, and a double-double in a upset win over Iowa State. His competitive spirit, honed in a basketball-centric family, remains his defining trait. ‘Competing is my calling card,’ he reiterated. ‘It’s what drives me every day.’
Off the court, Toolson is gearing up for another milestone: marrying his fiancée, Lauren Roberts, in May. ‘Her support and that of her family have been a huge blessing,’ he said. ‘It’s a big life change, and I’m incredibly grateful.’
Thought-provoking question: As Toolson’s journey highlights the balance between personal growth and athletic ambition, do you think players like him prioritize their faith and family too much at the expense of their careers? Or is this blend of values what makes them truly exceptional? Share your thoughts below!
