What Houston Football Needs From Conner Weigman in Week 1

Conner Weigman doesn't need to reinvent the wheel against Oregon State this Saturday.

Conner Weigman just needs to sit back and take his time in the pocket against Oregon State | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

No. 23 Houston kicks off the 2026 season with a major underdog opponent and a program that's been downgraded from the Power 4 in recent seasons.

Oregon State comes to TDECU Stadium expected to be throttled by the Cougars in Week 1.

How does that expectation become reality? There are Big 12 contention hopes in Houston this fall, after all.

For one, quarterback Conner Weigman needs to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him. There may not be a worse FBS defense on the schedule this fall than the Beavers.

Conner Weigman Needs to Be Patient in the Pocket

Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman warms up prior to the game against the Louisiana State Tigers | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Oregon State was ranked No. 99 in the country in scoring defense and gave up 4,558 yards last year. Mike MacIntyre takes over as defensive coordinator.

MacIntyre last called plays for and oversaw a very weak Memphis defense in 2020. The Tigers didn't improve much in 2021. MacIntyre's run as a head coach with FIU from 2022-2024 hardly inspired more confidence, though the Panthers did at least improve by his final season. MacIntyre took a defensive analyst role for a No. 106-ranked Mississippi State defense last year.

This isn't a Beavers defense that will feature a ferocious pass rush or a secondary that locks down opposing receivers. There's not much continuity, which may be a good thing, but probably wouldn't be a good thing until there are some reps together.

This isn't a tough case for Weigman to crack. Staying the course and avoiding any risks is the way to get the desired and expected outcome.

Don't turn the ball over and keep the clock and chains moving. No need to take any risks by giving the Beavers' offense extra possessions.

Conner Weigman Has Stellar Skill-Position Threats to Rely On

Weigman has two Biletnikoff Award watch list receivers in Amare Thomas and, coincidentally, Oregon State transfer Trent Walker.

Running back Makhi Hughes comes from a year of going up against Oregon's defense in practice and returns to a Slade Nagle offense he produced 1,378 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns for during his true freshman season.

Weigman has plenty to work with. This isn't the week to overexert himself out of the pocket. If anything, it could be akin to target practice if the offensive line holds up.

The Beavers aren't a turnstile, but they're not the biggest roadblock. Week 1 is an appropriate and safe tune-up before a game against an FCS team in Week 2 (Southern), before things get real against Texas Tech in Lubbock in Week 3.