Houston defensive back Will James (5) and Houston jack Brandon Mack (4) celebrate during the fourth quarter of an NCAA College Football match between the University of Central Florida and the University of Houston Cougars on October 3, 2026, at TDECU Stadium in Houston. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar
The Houston Cougars go back up to the No. 20 spot in the AP poll after a 35-16 win over Kansas State. They also moved up to No. 18 in the Coaches Poll.
This is the second time Houston has been ranked No. 20 this season, being ranked in the same spot in Week 5 after a 42-28 win against Georgia Southern.
During the Kansas State game, Houston dominated against a top defense in the Big 12. Additionally, the pass defense for Houston only allowed 182 yards in the air and two touchdowns, while sacking senior quarterback Avery Johnson twice and intercepting one of his passes in the fourth quarter.
Senior tight end Patrick Overmyer caught four receiving touchdowns, which is the most by a Cougar since Patrick Edwards in 2011 and tied the NCAA record for a tight end.
The next two weeks will be crucial for Houston to win. On Oct. 17, the Cougars travel back home to face off against No. 18 Oklahoma State, which has the most yards per game in the conference with 521.4.
On Oct. 24, Houston travels to Salt Lake City to match up against No. 11 Utah.
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