Houston wide receiver Koby Young celebrates after making a catch during the football game against Oregon State University on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2026, at TDECU Stadium. | Payton Gaskill/The Cougar
On Sept. 8, ESPN released its new AP Top 25 rankings, in which Houston moved from No. 23 to No. 22. The Cougars also moved to No. 22 in the USA Today LBM Coaches Poll.
The week before, the Cougars beat the Oregon State Beavers 33-20 in their season opener at TDECU Stadium. Houston combined for 533 total yards, rushing for 228 total yards and fifth-year quarterback Conner Weigman throwing for 305 yards.
That win marked the highest total yardage Houston has had in a season opener at home since 2015, when they compiled 621 yards against Tennessee Tech, according to Houston Athletics.
The last time Houston was ranked No. 22 was in 2025, when the Cougars finished the season after a 10-3 record and a 38-35 win over LSU in the Texas Kinders Bowl.
The Cougars could rise higher depending on how well they do in this 2026 season. This week, Houston will host the Southern Jaguars in TDECU Stadium on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
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