PREVIEW: #17 Houston Hosts Cincinnati for Homecoming

HOUSTON – The #17 Houston Football team is back at home after the bye week, playing host to Cincinnati for the Cougars' homecoming game at 2:30 p.m., Saturday on FOX.

GAME 9 – VS CINCINNATI

#17/18 Houston (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) vs. --/rv Cincinnati (5-3, 2-3 Big 12)
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 2:30 p.m.
TDECU Stadium | Houston
Broadcast: FOX
Radio: KPRC 950 AM

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Cougars' defense has quietly been one of the best at taking away the football in 2026. With eight interceptions and four fumbles recoverd, the Cougars rank 22nd nationally with 12 turnovers gained and third in the Big 12. Houston has been +1 or better in six different games and have forced multiple turnovers in consecutive games and in three total games.
Quarterback Conner Weigman has been one of the best, if not the best quarterback over the two seasons with a P4-leading 62 total touchdowns since 2025. Weigman's 45 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing touchdowns are both fifth most during that time. Weigman has won 16 of his 21 starts at Houston, the fourth-most nationally, and in the Big 12, since 2025. He is one of three Big 12 QBs to win 16+ games all at the P4 level during that time.
Houston is the only school in the country with three receivers with 5+ receiving touchdowns through Week 7. Tight end Patrick Overmyer leads all FBS tight ends with seven receiving touchdowns while Amare Thomas (6) and Koby Young (5) have each hauled in 5+ receiving touchdowns. Four schools have multiple receivers with 5+ receiving touchdowns but only Houston has three receivers with 5+.
Houston cornerback Jalen Mayo has been one of the best in the Big 12, and the country, and his value to the Cougars' secondary has been noticed nationally. Mayo was recently named a Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist, the award given to the nation's best defensive back. Mayo was one of five cornerbacks named a semifinalist and one of two Big 12 honorees – both cornerbacks.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

Among Top 25 teams that are ranked in both the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll, Houston's has played the second toughest schedule. The Cougars' have faced opponents that have combined for a .684 winning percentage.
Houston has dominated on the ground over the first eight games of the season averaging 203.5 yards per game – 24th most nationally, while allowing just 100.5 rushing yards per game on defense – 20th fewest nationally. The Cougars out-gained each of their first seven opponents on the ground and have held four opponents under 100 rushing yards. Houston has out-gained its opponents 1629-804 over the course of the season.
Houston has recorded 49 points off takeaways this season, the most in the Big 12. The Cougars have forced a turnover in eight straight conference games, the third-longest active streak in the Big 12 behind Texas Tech and Utah (10 straight).
Houston had one of the most experienced rosters entering the season in all of college football with 32,000+ snaps played and 480+ starts across the roster.
The Cougars continue to lead the country in third-down conversion percentage. Houston has gone 63-for-105 (.600) on its attempts, over five percent better than second-place Miami (.545).

SCOUTING CINCINNATI

The Bearcats enter the week with a 5-3 record, including a 2-3 mark in Big 12 play, that features wins against Boston College, Western Carolina, Miami (OH), Kansas State and Texas Tech.
JC French IV works as Cincinnati's signal caller, throwing for 1,773 yards and 13 touchdowns. JV Gibson leads the Bearcat receiving corps, reigning in 34 passes for 461 yards and four touchdowns, while Cole Tabb paces the backfield with 752 yards and 10 scores.
Jonathan Thompson and Antwan Peek are nearly tied for the team lead with 63 and 62 tackles each, respectively.

LAST TIME AGAINST CINCINNATI

Re'Shaun Sanford II led the Houston offense with 62 rushing and 23 receiving yards in the 2024 meeting which saw Cincinnati emerge with a 34-0 victory.
AJ Haulcy paced the defensive effort with 11 tackles while Hershey McLaurin tallied two tackles for loss.

A HOUSTON WIN WOULD BE ...

Houston's first win over Cincinnati since 2016.
The Cougars' first home win against the Bearcats since 2015.
Houston's second win against Cincinnati at TDECU Stadium.
Houston's second consecutive win on Nov. 7.

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Players Mentioned

Jalen Mayo

Patrick Overmyer

Re’Shaun Sanford II

Amare Thomas

Conner Weigman

Koby Young