Houston Cougars 2026 Preview
Houston are 1-0 in 2026. They went 10-3 (6-3 in the Big 12). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for Houston in 2026
- Connor Weigman returns at QB after a 2025 season of 2,705 yards, 25 TDs, and 9 INTs, as well as 700 rushing yards and 11 rushing TDs
- Starting RB from last season is gone. Oregon transfer Makhi Hughes is expected to start (70 yards, 0 TDs in four games played; 1,401 yards, 15 TDs in 2024)
- Top player from last season in terms of receiving yards returns in Amare Thomas (966 yards, 12 TDs). Oregon State transfer WR Trent Walker is expected to start (823 yards, 2 TDs)
- Returning two starting offensive lineman
- 2025 PPG/YPG: 29.3 ppg (38th out of 136), 398.8 ypg (44th out of 136)
- Returning six starters on a defense that allowed 24.8 ppg (55th in CFB), with their top returner being S Kentrel Webb (72 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start, including Ole Miss transfer LB Jaden Yates (55 tackles) and Stephen F Austin transfer CB Jalen Mayo (4 INTs)
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Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Houston Cougars 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon State | Home | W 33-20 |
| 2 | Southern | Home | — |
| 3 | Texas Tech | Away | — |
| 4 | Georgia Southern | Away | — |
| 5 | UCF | Home | — |
| 6 | Kansas State | Away | — |
| 7 | Oklahoma State | Home | — |
| 8 | Utah | Away | — |
| 9 | Cincinnati | Home | — |
| 10 | Colorado | Away | — |
| 11 | West Virginia | Away | — |
| 12 | Baylor | Home | — |
Get the printable Houston Cougars 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
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Houston Cougars betting FAQ
Houston Cougars play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Oregon State. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Houston is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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