Houston Cougars coach Willie Fritz holds the Texas Bowl trophy high after taking down LSU after an NCAA college football game on Saturday Dec. 27, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
After three years vetted in the Big 12, Houston enters 2026 looking to build on its recent success and surpass all expectations in the 2026 season.
Football
After hiring coach Willie Fritz in 2023, Houston got off to a rough start, ending the 2024 season 4-8, but came back with a historic 10-3 season in 2025. Coach Fritz previously coached at Tulane for seven years and was responsible for their 2022 comeback season, finishing 12-2 and ranked ninth in the AP poll. With Fritz’s proven record, he has the possibility to surpass the success of Houston’s winningest coach, Bill Yeoman.
One of Houston’s biggest contributors on the field last season was Texas A&M transfer and previous five-star recruit quarterback Connor Weigman. Weigman sported 700 rushing yards this past season, proving not only his reliability as a quarterback, but also showing that he can hold his own when the situation calls for it.
Five-star recruit quarterback Keisean Henderson turned down offers from Texas, Alabama, Michigan and several other Power Four conference schools to stay home and play for Houston. Henderson ran for 522 rushing yards and showcased his strong arm, throwing 3,880 passing yards in his senior year.
Houston football has its eyes on the far future as well with four-star defensive lineman Class of 2027 Raiden Cook. Cook stood as a bulwark on the field with 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks his junior year.
With Fritz’s skills and the program’s recruiting power, Houston could be a hefty contender in 2026 and after.
Basketball
When coach Kelvin Sampson first joined Houston, he was begging students to show up to games. Finishing in the Final Four in the 2025 season and the Sweet Sixteen this past season, Houston has proven itself a force to be reckoned with. However, Houston lost some of its best to graduation and the NBA draft. Standout freshman guard Kingston Flemings declared for the draft along with Jerry West Award finalist Emanuel Sharp after graduating from UH. However, a shaken foundation doesn’t mean the house falls down and a handful of transfers coming to Houston are sure to hold the beams in place.
Senior guard Dedan Thomas Jr. comes from LSU with an average of 15.3 points per game and 6.5 assists last season.
Three-time MAC Player of the Week senior forward Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State carries an average of 17.7 points per game and 11.3 rebounds per game last season.
Even with the departures of some of their best players, it seems Houston basketball is on track to recover and could be better than ever before.
Baseball
Houston baseball finished on a low note this past season with a 24-31 overall record and 7-23 in conference play. Even with stats, Houston came through with notable wins against Texas, Alabama and Rice. While the main cause for the team’s failure can’t be pinpointed, Houston Athletics decided to not offer Coach Todd Whitting another contract and have hired Coach Will Davis. Davis coached at Lamar University and is responsible for five 30-win seasons back-to-back over the 10 seasons he coached.
Class of 2026 recruit left-handed pitcher and first baseman John Robbins III from Fayetteville, Georgia, with his 85 mph exit velocity, 88 mph throw and being ranked 476th nationally by Perfect Game.
Coming from Atlanta, Georgia, is shortstop and middle infielder Carson Ray, who sports an 82 mph fastball, a 93 mph exit velocity and is ranked 429th nationally by Perfect Game.
If Houston can keep the same energy it had against SEC teams with a new and established coach, the Cougars could get a spot in the playoffs.
Overall
Houston has proven itself with its acclaimed coaching staff and growing transfer and high school recruitment capability. If Houston can keep this same momentum they can take center stage in the Big 12.
sports@thedailycougar.com
