The University of Houston’s football program is confronting a crowded non‑conference agenda that stretches well into the next decade. Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez has been tasked with shaping a schedule that not only meets the team’s competitive goals but also navigates the logistical constraints of a packed calendar.
A packed future slate
The Cougars will need three non‑conference opponents in 2029, two in each of the following two seasons, creating a ripple effect that leaves gaps in the current lineup. Nuñez is already close to locking in two of those 2029 games, one against an FCS school and another versus a Group of Five program, while the remaining slot remains open for future negotiations.
The 2027 season will open with a high‑profile matchup against LSU at Reliant Stadium, and all three non‑conference games for that year will be played on home turf in Houston. The 2028 slate already includes contests against Sam Houston State and Oklahoma, with the possibility of a Week 0 placement to provide an extra open week before the regular season begins.
Potential adjustments to the schedule could see the Boise State series, originally announced in 2017, rescheduled for 2024‑25, while the return game in that series remains slated for the season opener. The university has confirmed that there are no plans to relocate the 2028 game to London as part of the Union Jack Classic, keeping the focus on domestic venues.
Looking further ahead, the program’s long‑term vision includes a balanced distribution of games across the three‑year window, ensuring that each season brings a mix of competitive challenges and manageable travel. Nuñez’s ongoing negotiations reflect a strategic effort to blend tradition with new opportunities, keeping the Cougars’ schedule both ambitious and realistic.