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Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz walks on the field before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Why Houston Is Better Positioned Than People Realize Entering 2026

Here are some reasons why Houston is in a prime position to win in 2026.

Micah Clay

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3 Hours Ago

News

Former Houston Kicker Could Return to College Football This Season

One Houston Player Who Could Become a National Name

Which Blue Chip Houston Freshman Is Closest to Starting?

What Landen Williams-Callis' Looming Decision Means for Houston

The Biggest Offseason Decision That Could Change Houston in 2026

Why Houston Could Be One of the Big 12's Toughest Teams to Evaluate

Is Houston Actually Ready to Make the Jump From Surprise Team to Big 12 Contender?

The Biggest "What If?" Player on the Entire Houston Cougars Roster

Why I'm Buying the Hype Around Ashton Porter for Houston Football

Basketball

Florida Rebels Oneal Delancy (5) moves towards the basket as Drive Nation Rylan Austin (2) defends during the Florida Rebels and Drive Nation 17U championship game at the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C., on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The Florida Rebels defeated Drive Nation 71-60.

Houston Basketball Lands Huge Commitment from Four-Star Combo Guard

Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson applauds a play against Kansas Jayhawks during the game inside Allen Fieldhouse on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

Willie Fritz Says Houston Football Has Kelvin Sampson Blueprint

Feb 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson talks to guard Emanuel Sharp (21) in the first half against the UCF Knights at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Kelvin Sampson Reflects on Emanuel Sharp's Special Journey From Houston to the NBA

Mar 25, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson reacts during a practice session ahead of the south regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

What Kelvin Sampson Said About Houston Cougars' NBA Draft Record

Football

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Houston Cougars defensive end Brandon Mack celebrates his sack in the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium

Why Brandon Mack II's Eighth Season Is One of College Football's Best Stories

Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) after Thomas scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Which Houston Football Freshman Could Make the Biggest Immediate Impact in 2026?

Houston Cougars defensive back Jalen Mayo

Jalen Mayo's Incredible Journey From No Offers to Starting Cornerback at Houston

Houston Cougars wide receiver Koby Young against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium

Five Houston Players Ready for a Bigger Role This Season

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Which Houston Position Group Has Changed the Most Under Willie Fritz?

Sep 26, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) celebrates a catch and first down during the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Why I'm Buying the Hype Around Amare Thomas for Houston Football

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Willie Fritz Has Rebuilt Programs Before; Here's How Houston Compares

Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) after Thomas scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Why Houston's Identity Under Willie Fritz Is Different Than Its Previous Eras

Baseball

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Houston Cougars outfielder Tre Broussard reaches base in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals against TCU on May 23, 2025.

Houston Cougars Make History With Five Players Selected in 2026 MLB Draft

Former Texas pitcher Kade Bing

Houston Baseball Lands Promising Pitcher from Texas in Transfer Portal

Left-handed pitcher Cooper Corkrean

Houston Baseball Builds New Transfer Portal Class

Houston baseball coach Will Davis

New UH Baseball Coach Will Davis Gave His Thoughts on The Transition to Houston

Houston Cougars baseball coach Will Davis

Houston Baseball's New Coaching Staff Under Will Davis Taking Shape

Former Lamar and current Houston head baseball coach Will Davis

Houston's Hiring of Will Davis Earns Praise from Alex Bregman Among Others

Feb 19, 2006; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils right fielder (9) Colin Curtis steals second base as the Houston Cougars infielder (8) Dustin Kingsbury tries to put the tag down at Packard Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Copyright Rick Scuteri

Houston’s New Coach Is The Key The Cougars To Reaching The College World Series

Former Lamar and now Houston head baseball coach Will Davis

Everything You Need to Know About New Houston Baseball Coach Will Davis

Recruiting

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Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Houston Is Finally Recruiting Like It Expects to Win the Big 12

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

The Houston Freshman Who Could Become a Household Name

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz with defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. (1) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Houston Football Earns Commitment From Elite Louisiana Safety

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz walks on the field before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Why Houston's Recruiting Momentum Suddenly Feels Different

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

LSU Flips Key 2027 Offensive Recruit Away From Houston

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Talented 2027 Houston Football Commit Flips to Conference Foe

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Houston Cougars Score Huge Recruiting Win, Land Four-Star Cornerback

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson and his son, assistant Kellen Sampson, watch during a practice for the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Houston Cougars Basketball Received Visit From 2027 4-Star Guard

Cougars Social

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Houston shortstop Mandy Esman

How to watch, stream Houston softball team in opening round of Big 12 tournament

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden

Ex-NFL head coach receives gift box full of Houston paraphernalia

ESPN's "College GameDay" crew of, from left, Rece Davis, Andraya Carter, Jay Williams and Seth Greenberg.

ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ pregame show coming to Houston on Feb. 22

The Houston Cougars (5-3) have dropped from No. 4 to No. 17 in the AP Top 25 Poll.

Missouri's stunning upset of Kansas caps brutal week for Big 12 men's basketball

Houston Cougars quarterback Zeon Chriss (2) has attempted just 82 passes this season.

ESPN FPI predicts Baylor Bears vs. Houston Cougars winner

Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz yells towards players as they come back to the sidelines during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.

What Willie Fritz said after Houston's 27-3 loss to Arizona

Houston Cougars quarterback Zeon Chriss (2) was a perfect 11-of-11 passing in his last game.

Game recap, analysis: Houston's bowl hopes take a hit with bad loss to Arizona

The Houston Cougars have a chance to finish near the top of the Big 12.

Houston at Arizona football prediction, game time, TV channel, how to watch online

H-Town Connection

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Houston football coach Willie Fritz talks about spring practice, start of 2025 season

Houston basketball Coach Kelvin Sampson

What Kelvin Sampson said during his guest appearance on an Oklahoma radio program

Former Houston quarterback Donovan Smith

Can a Houston football player be drafted by an NFL team for the 10th straight year?

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson (left) with forward J'Wan Roberts

Kelvin Sampson on Houston’s completed basketball season: ‘We had a championship year’

Houston point guard Milos Uzan

Houston guard declares for the upcoming NBA Draft

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson (left) and forward Joseph Tugler look on during the Cougars' NCAA Tournament title-game loss to Florida on April 7, 2025.

Several college basketball experts are high on Houston entering 2025-26 season

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson looks on during the Cougars' NCAA Tournament championship game loss to Florida on April 7, 2025.

What Kelvin Sampson said after Houston’s title-game loss: ‘Incomprehensible'

Houston players J'Wan Roberts (13) and Mylik Wilson (8) react after the Cougars pull off a 70-67 win against Duke in the Final Four on April 5, 2025.

Houston falls to Florida: Live score, updates, highlights from 2025 NCAA title game

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Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) after Thomas scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Three Bold Predictions for Houston Football Fall Camp

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz hoists the champions trophy after the win over Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Why Willie Fritz's Programs Improve Faster Than Expected

Sep 14, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars running back Re'Shaun Sanford II (26) runs the ball in the second half against the Rice Owls at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images

Why Houston Running Back Re'Shaun Sanford Is Not Letting His Injuries Define Him

Sep 10, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; A Houston Cougars football helmet in the second half on the sidelines during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Why Houston's 2026 Schedule Sets Up Better Than Most Big 12 Contenders

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Why Everyone is Talking About New 'Freak' Houston OL Shadre Hurst

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) warms up prior to the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

The Biggest Reason Houston Can Win the Big 12 Isn't Conner Weigman

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Houston Football Position Battle I'm Watching Closest During Fall Camp

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Houston Football Offseason Recap: Where Houston Improved and Where It Didn't

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Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates a play with defensive back Marc Stampley II (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Houston Football Has A New X-Factor On Offense That Nobody Is Talking About

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars defensive back Jordan Allen (6) celebrates a play against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What the Houston Defense Means to Jordan Allen

Oct 4, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz walks on the field during a timeout in the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Houston Football Players Under the Most Pressure Entering Fall Camp

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston quarterback Conner Weigman speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Houston QB Conner Weigman Shared What His Productive Offseason Looked Like

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz with quarterback Conner Weigman (1) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Every Transfer Expected to Make an Immediate Impact for Houston Football

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars defensive back Kentrell Webb (8) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Houston Defensive Players That Are Most Likely to Earn All-Conference Honors

Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) after Thomas scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Projecting Houston’s Offensive Week 1 Depth Chart Before Fall Camp Begins

Oct 18, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) runs the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

9 Houston Football Players Earn Spot on Significant Preseason Watchlist

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Nov 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) in action against Baylor Bears safety DJ Coleman (33) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Predicting Houston's Offensive Statistics in the 2026 Season

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Willie Fritz Reveals Plan For Star Houston Freshmen Keisean Henderson & Paris Melvin

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) with wide receiver Koby Young (18) and tight end Tanner Koziol (9) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Why the Houston Cougars' Offense Should be Feared This Season

Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman holds up a piece of barbecue after the win over the LSU Tigers

Conner Weigman is Ready to Break Out for the Houston Cougars

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Houston High-Profile NIL Additions Who Need a Huge Fall Camp

Kansas State's quarterback Avery Johnson (5) runs for a touchdown against Texas Tech in a Big 12 conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

The Top 5 Big 12 Quarterbacks Houston Faces in 2026

Oct 18, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive end Brandon Mack (4) defends in coverage during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

One Returning Player Ready to Become a Star for Houston

Dec 4, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; The Baylor Bears hold up the Big 12 trophy after the win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Conference championship game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

How Close Is Houston to Competing for a Conference Championship?

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Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Every Position Battle That Will Define Houston's Season

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Which Houston Football Players Are Living Up to Their NIL Expectations?

Nov 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) carries the ball against Baylor Bears linebacker Kyland Reed (45) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Five Reasons to Believe Houston Can Exceed Expectations This Season

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Biggest Concern Nobody Is Talking About For Houston Football

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars running back DJ Butler (25) breaks out of the backfield against the ASU Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025.

Ranking Every Houston Position Group Entering Fall Camp

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Biggest Questions Facing Houston Entering Fall Camp

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston quarterback Conner Weigman speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Why Stability Could Unlock the Best Season of Conner Weigman's Career

Oct 21, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars offensive lineman Tank Jenkins (72) and Texas Longhorns defensive end Ethan Burke (91) in action during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Can Houston Become a State Recruiting Power Alongside Texas and Texas A&M?

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Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

3 Houston Cougars Earned Preseason Honors Ahead of The 2026 Season

Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) after Thomas scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Already Has the Player Who Could Shape Its Future More Than Any New Recruit

Mar 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars football head coach Willie Fritz addresses the crowd before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Willie Fritz Has Quietly Given Houston Something It Hasn't Had in Years

Sep 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with defensive back Marc Stampley II (22) after a play during the fourth quarter against the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Can This Houston Player Keep The Cougars Competitive In The Future?

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Willie Fritz Is Chasing Something Else That Houston Football Has Rarely Achieved

Oct 18, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive end Brandon Mack (4) celebrates his sack in the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Houston Might Have Become the Most Difficult Team in the Big 12 to Prepare For

Nov 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Willie Fritz celebrates with wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) after Thomas scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Has Been Searching for Its Next Superstar; Has It Finally Found Him?

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Houston head coach Willie Fritz speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Willie Fritz Is Chasing Something Houston Football Has Rarely Had

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