Houston Cougars Get New Verdict in ESPN Preseason Power Rankings

Houston is becoming a bit of a preseason darling with every new poll and power ranking that comes out before the 2026 college football season.

The Cougars were No. 24 in the Coaches Poll, a spot higher at No. 23 in the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll, and now even another spot higher at No. 22 in ESPN analyst Mark Schlabach's preseason power rankings.

Schlabach went as far as to predict Houston pushing for the Big 12 Championship crown by December. Schlabach was sold on both the returning talent and the incoming skill-position threats, specifically quarterback Conner Weigman, receiver Amare Thomas, and former Tulane and Oregon running back Makhi Hughes.

"With 12 starters coming back, including quarterback Conner Weigman and receiver Amare Thomas, the Cougars might be a sleeper candidate to challenge for the Big 12 title," Schlabach wrote. "Willie Fritz guided the Cougars to a 10-3 record in 2025, which isn't all that surprising considering the rebuilding job he did at Tulane. One of Houston's biggest offseason priorities was finding a replacement for leading rusher Dean Connors, and Fritz brought in former Tulane star Makhi Hughes. Hughes ran for 2,779 yards with 22 touchdowns in two seasons with the Green Wave, but he couldn't get playing time after transferring to Oregon in 2025."

Houston's Defense Must Hold Its Weight For Coogs to Rise

Louisiana State Tigers running back Caden Durham runs the ball as Houston Cougars defensive end Brandon Mack and defensive lineman Carlos Allen attempt to tackle during the first half at NRG Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

All the attention is on scoring, but Schlabach didn't dive into a Coogs defense that returns 58% of its production from a season ago. Houston was in the top half of the conference in most defensive metrics, but was no higher than No. 4 in any given category.

Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong will have a strong secondary, led by safety Kentrell Webb and Javion White lining up in different positions across different sets. Jaden Yates offers intrigue as an off-ball WILL linebacker. Still, the pass rush is the biggest question mark.

The Cougars will need to beef up the trenches and find a star pass-rusher to build around. JACK LB Brandon Mack, entering his eighth year in the sport, has the physical profile to be that guy.

Armstrong is a rising star in the sport, and his defense will be able to keep pace with the level of Slade Nagle's offensive attack.

If nothing else, the Big 12 can become the Coogs' to lose should Fritz's program experience that kind of balance and keep pace with programs like Texas Tech and BYU.

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