Cougars Rise to No. 24 in Preseason Rankings
The Houston Cougars have earned a No. 24 spot in the 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll, marking the program’s first preseason ranking since 2022 and underscoring the impact of a season that delivered ten victories.
That success culminated in a decisive triumph over LSU in the Texas Bowl, a victory that not only added a trophy to the case but also cemented the team’s belief heading into the offseason.
Quarterback Conner Weigman and receiver Amare Thomas emerged as the offensive catalysts, weaving together a chemistry that produced several game‑changing plays and helped define the Cougars’ identity.
Within the Big 12, Houston now sits alongside traditional powerhouses, with Ohio State holding the No. 1 slot, Texas Tech at No. 12 and SMU at No. 20, all of which are projected to battle for conference supremacy.
Big 12 Outlook
Analysts view the Cougars as a legitimate threat, citing depth at skill positions and a defense that showed marked improvement in the latter half of last season, factors that could shift the balance of power in the league.
The preseason poll also reflects the broader national landscape, noting Indiana — the defending champion — at No. 6 and rounding out the top ten with Miami, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Mississippi.
Looking ahead, Houston will open its season on September 5 against Oregon State at TDECU Stadium, a matchup that could set the tone for the Cougars’ campaign and influence their trajectory in the poll.