Amare Thomas Is Looking Ready for Another Big Season in 2026

Houston’s star wide receiver projects as one of the top weapons in the entire Big 12 Conference this season.

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, and the Cougars are in the first week of fall camp preparing for the home opener against the Oregon State Beavers on Sept. 5 at 11 a.m.

Houston currently has the fourth-best odds to win the conference, largely due to its strong core of returners from last season.

With senior receiver Amare Thomas in his final season wearing the red and white, expect big things from the speedster in 2026.

Why Amare Thomas Will Be A Top Playmaker in the Big 12 Conference

Nov 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) during warmups before the game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Houston football was supposed to be in a rebuild year in 2025, or at least that is what the national media thought before the season began, giving the Cougars a projected 6-6 record.

Well, there is a reason the games are played on the field because the Cougars turned a lot of heads by finishing with a 10-3 overall record last season.

After securing a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl, the Cougars cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the conference.

The biggest reason for Houston’s success in 2025 was coach Willie Fritz and his ability to piece together a strong roster through the transfer portal.

It is obvious that senior quarterback Conner Weigman was the star addition of the offseason; however, Thomas also had a monster season and instantly became one of the best playmakers in the country.

In 2025, he totaled 67 catches for 966 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 14.4 yards per reception.

He also finished second in the Big 12 in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and he has an opportunity for an even better year in 2026.

The main reasons he could be even better statistically is because he had another full offseason further developing chemistry with Weigman, and he also has a lot more protection because of the weapons around him.

The additions of senior running back Makhi Hughes and senior wide receiver Trent Walker will take a lot of pressure off of Thomas because of how much attention those two players require at all times from the defense.

Senior wide receiver Stephen Johnson also has a real chance to join the team for the 2026 season, and if that actually comes to fruition, Houston will have another receiver with WR1 upside, which would be a nightmare for opposing secondaries.

Bottom line is Houston is loaded with talent, especially on the offense this season. With how much pressure Houston’s offense places on its opponents because of the Cougars’ versatility, Thomas will have more of an opportunity to do damage which could lead to a career year in 2026.