Nina To/the Cougar
University of Houston football is currently No. 23 in the 2026 preseason AP Top 25 poll. The Cougars are officially recognized by The Associated Press as a preseason-ranked team for the first time since 2022 and the 13th time in program history.
AP college football polls released its first preseason college football poll in 1950. Preseason rankings are determined by a panel of roughly 60 to 70 sports journalists who cast votes based on team statistics recorded from the previous season. Head coach Willie Fritz has also been recognized by the American Football Coaches Association Poll, with Houston ranked No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
In the 2021 season, Houston finished 12-2 (8-0 AAC) with 502 points. Quarterback Clayton Tune threw for a total of 3,546 yards and 30 touchdowns. The team averaged 413.9 yards and 35.9 points per game.
The Cougars went undefeated in conference play at 8-0 for the second time in program history and for the first time since 2011. Houston won 11 consecutive games during the 2021 season, advancing to the AAC championship game against No. 4 Cincinnati.
Houston capped off that year with a 17-13 victory over Auburn in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, securing the third 12-win season in program history. Tune was named the MVP after throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
Other key players that season included wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Alton McCaskill. Dell was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Under head coach Willie Fritz, Houston improved by six wins from 2024. The Cougars concluded the 2025 season with a record of 10-3 (6-3 Big 12).
That same year, Houston celebrated a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Conner Weigman threw four touchdown passes, tying the previous Texas Bowl record set by Patrick Mahomes in 2015.
Senior quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 25 touchdowns and recorded 2,705 passing yards. Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas totaled 966 yards with 12 touchdowns. Weigman and Thomas will continue their careers with Cougar football this season.
Houston football will open its regular season against Oregon State at 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at TDECU Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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