Cougars' NIL Stars Deliver
The University of Houston's football program has entered a new chapter where name, image and likeness agreements are no longer peripheral but central to recruiting and performance narratives.
Senior quarterback Conner Weigman epitomizes this shift. In 2025 he earned just over $1 million through endorsements and appeared in a high‑profile campaign that highlighted his dual-threat abilities.
Weigman’s on‑field production matched the financial windfall. He threw for 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 700 rushing yards and 11 scores, numbers that placed him among the most dynamic quarterbacks in the Big 12.
At the receiving end, senior Amare Thomas became the Cougars’ primary target, recording 67 catches for 966 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance ranked second in the conference for both yards and scores, cementing his status as a top prospect.
The third star, offensive lineman Shadre Hurst, earned preseason recognition on the All Big 12 First Team and was positioned by Pro Football Focus as the ninth‑best interior lineman nationally for 2025. Coaches expect him to anchor both the running and passing attacks in the upcoming season.
These achievements are unfolding against a backdrop that includes other Texas institutions such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Tulane University, underscoring the competitive landscape of the Big 12 and its surrounding conferences.