University of Houston Athletics
Photo by: Erik Williams
Fritz Named to Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List
10/13/2026 1:13:00 PM | Football
Already on the preseason watch list, Fritz remains on the board for the prestigious award
HOUSTON – Houston Football Head Coach Willie Fritz advanced to the 2026 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., announced Tuesday.
Fritz was named to the preseason edition of the Watch List in August, highlighting his accomplishments after helping guide Houston to a 10-win season and Texas Bowl win.
In the time since, the Cougars have been ranked in every edition of the AP Top 25 with players being recognized weekly for their performance on the field.
Houston leads the country in 3rd down conversion percentage (.627) and ranks in the Top 25 in tackles for loss allowed per game (second, 2.0), first down offense (third, 162), rushing defense (fourth, 74.0), interceptions allowed (seventh, 1), total offense (12th, 481.8), sacks allowed per game (13th, 0.83), rushing offense (14th, 230), scoring offense (15th, 40.0) and turnovers lost (23rd, 4).
Fritz is one of two Big 12 Conference coaches to make the list and one of three head coaches at a Texas school. He's also one of four previous Dodd Trophy winners on the list, earning the Trophy in 2022.
ABOUT THE DODD TROPHY
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc., The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy. The award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.
The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program's graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, on-field success thus far for the 2026 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Fritz was named to the preseason edition of the Watch List in August, highlighting his accomplishments after helping guide Houston to a 10-win season and Texas Bowl win.
In the time since, the Cougars have been ranked in every edition of the AP Top 25 with players being recognized weekly for their performance on the field.
Houston leads the country in 3rd down conversion percentage (.627) and ranks in the Top 25 in tackles for loss allowed per game (second, 2.0), first down offense (third, 162), rushing defense (fourth, 74.0), interceptions allowed (seventh, 1), total offense (12th, 481.8), sacks allowed per game (13th, 0.83), rushing offense (14th, 230), scoring offense (15th, 40.0) and turnovers lost (23rd, 4).
Fritz is one of two Big 12 Conference coaches to make the list and one of three head coaches at a Texas school. He's also one of four previous Dodd Trophy winners on the list, earning the Trophy in 2022.
ABOUT THE DODD TROPHY
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc., The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy. The award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.
The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program's graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, on-field success thus far for the 2026 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
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