The Houston Cougars concluded the 2025 campaign with a 10‑3 record, marking the second year of head coach Willie Fritz’s tenure and cementing the team’s status among the Big 12’s elite.
Revamped roster brings fresh firepower
After losing several key contributors to the offseason, Houston turned to the transfer portal and its 2026 recruiting class to rebuild, promising a blend of experience and fresh talent.
The offense will be anchored by quarterback Conner Weigman, who emerged as a central figure in the game plan, while the receiving corps is led by star Amare Thomas and bolstered by Oregon State transfer Trent Walker.
Coach Slade Nagle’s scheme has already shown a marked uptick, with the unit averaging 29.1 points per game, a figure that positions the Cougars as one of the most potent attacks in the conference.
Defensive upgrades and depth
Defensively, the team added former Tulane and Oregon standout Makhi Hughes, who brings a rushing threat of nearly 2,800 yards over two seasons, and reinforced the secondary with SFA’s Jalen Mayo and Tulane’s Javion White, while former Oregon lineman Ashton Porter bolsters the front line.
The combination of veteran returners and high‑impact transfers has set expectations that Houston will not only retain its competitive edge but potentially improve upon it in the 2026 season, a prospect that has the fan base and analysts excited.
Big 12 ambitions
With the Big 12 Conference providing a rigorous schedule, the Cougars aim to translate their strengthened roster into a deeper playoff push, leveraging the experience of Fritz and the momentum built over the past year.