The Houston Cougars Just Landed a New QB Commit
In this story:
The Houston Cougars are beginning spring practice in preparation for what's expected to be an exciting 2026 season.
However, the work on the high school recruiting trail has hardly slowed down for head coach Willie Fritz and staff.
On Friday, Houston added another new name to its 2027 recruiting class, and secured the team's first quarterback commit this cycle in the process.
Houston Cougars Land Commitment from Local QB
Per reports from Rivals, Houston has landed a commitment from 2027 three-star quarterback Braden Baker, who is a product of Cy Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas.
Baker is the No. 34 quarterback in the 2027 class and the No. 73 overall player in the state of Texas, per 247Sports' recruiting rankings. He stands at 6-4, 185 pounds and will likely eventually compete for the backup quarterback role with the Cougars once he steps on campus next offseason.
Baker has received offers from multiple Power 4 programs, including the Arkansas Razorbacks, Baylor Bears, Duke Blue Devils and Oklahoma State Cowboys. He's also gotten offers from UTSA, San Diego State, LA Tech, UTEP, Florida Atlantic and more.
The LA Tech offer stands out, as Baker's older brother, Blake, plays quarterback for the Bulldogs. But Braden is choosing his own path with Houston.
Baker has official visits lined up with Houston (June 4), Baylor (June 12) and Arkansas (June 19). Despite committing to the Cougars, expect other programs to try to lure him away.
Braden Baker Could Eventually Start at Houston
Though it's unlikely Baker will be ready to start as a true freshman, 247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks thinks he could eventually start at the Power 4 level after a few years in college.
"(Baker) projects as an eventual P4 starter whose long-term trajectory, in Years 3-5 could deliver particularly strong dividends," Brooks wrote.
During the 2025 season, Baker went 169 of 256 passing for 2,806 yards, 32 touchdowns and just one interception while rushing 71 times for 235 yards and three more scores.
While meeting with the media recently, Houston head coach Willie Fritz talked about how pleased he is with the way the program's culture has evolved. From transfer portal players to high school recruits, the Cougars have steadily turned things around, and a player like Baker will ideally be key to keeping that culture strong in the future.
“The young men we brought in from the portal really fit in,” Fritz said. “The high school kids that reported early have really fit in, and that’s what you’re looking for. To win a bunch of games, you have to play really good players, really good coaches, but you have to have great culture, and every place that we’ve been, we have been successful. We have had great culture.”
