Nina To/The Cougar
In 2026, the Houston Cougars have multiple returning starters who can turn the tide of their season. From quarterbacks to defensive backs, these starters play an important role for Houston.
Senior quarterback Conner Weigman is coming off his best career season in 2025, throwing for 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 700 yards and 11 touchdowns. Weigman has been named to multiple award watch lists, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Maxwell Award and Preseason Davy O’Brien Award watch lists.
Additionally, Weigman was named the Kinders Texas Bowl MVP after throwing for 230 yards and four touchdowns, tying Patrick Mahomes for most touchdowns in Texas Bowl history, according to Houston Athletics.
Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas is also coming off his best season yet, with 966 yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking him second in receiving yards and touchdowns among receivers in the Big 12. Thomas has been named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list and is the Big 12 Conference’s Preseason All-Big 12 first team.
Thomas can create play-making catches that can define the game, has elite-level route-running abilities and can close out drives with points on the board.
Fifth-year defensive backs Jordan Allen and Kentrell Webb are the anchors in the secondary. Webb had 72 total tackles, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception last year. Allen had 48 total tackles, two pass deflections and half a sack.
These two players are both on Pro Football Network’s All-Big 12 Third Team and provide experience in the secondary and can become valuable players in the upcoming season.
Finally, senior defensive back Will James enters the 2026 season after having five pass deflections, 38 tackles, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. He is on the Bronco Nagurski Award and Bednarik Award watch lists.
All of these returning starters had an impact in the 2025 season, when Houston went 10-3 and won the Texas Bowl against LSU 38-35. With experience on their side, they are bound to make an impact again.
sports@thedailycougar.com
