The University of Houston's football program has been thrust into the spotlight as Athlon Sports unveils its Preseason All‑America teams, spotlighting several Cougars who earned top‑tier honors.
Preseason All‑America Honors
Amare Thomas and Shadre Hurst were both selected to the Athlon Sports Preseason All‑America Third Team, while Will James earned a spot on the First Team, marking a significant achievement for the trio.
Hurst's inclusion adds a second preseason All‑America distinction to his résumé, reflecting his sustained impact on the field.
Conference‑Wide Recognition
The Cougars secured 12 total Preseason All‑Big 12 selections, ranking third among conference schools. In addition to the trio highlighted above, Makhi Hughes, Brandon Mack II and Javion White earned Second‑Team honors, while Patrick Overmyer, Khalil Laufau and Jordan Allen received Third‑Team accolades. Anthony Boswell, Drew Terrill and Sione Fotu were named to the Fourth Team.
Phil Steele Magazine Selections
Seven Cougars also appeared on the Phil Steele Magazine Preseason All‑Big 12 team, further cementing the program's breadth of talent recognized across multiple outlets.
These honors not only showcase individual excellence but also signal the program's rising stature within the Big 12, positioning Houston as a formidable contender heading into the upcoming season.