University of Houston Athletics
Houston’s First Two Home Game Kick Times, Networks Announced
5/27/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
Cougars set for prime tv time slot in Week 1 against Oregon State on ESPN
HOUSTON – In coordination with the Big 12 Conference and network partners, the University of Houston Football team announced its Week 1 and Week 2 kickoff times and network designations ahead of the 2026 season.
Houston received one of the best television networks and kickoff times possible in Week 1 with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN against Oregon State on Sept. 5 following ESPN's pregame show College GameDay.
The Cougars have not opened their season on ESPN since playing Texas Tech inside NRG Stadium in 2021. The last time Houston played at 11 a.m. on ESPN/ABC in Week 1, the Cougars beat #3 Oklahoma on ABC in NRG Stadium in 2016.
The Cougars will host Southern in Week 2 on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12. The game marks the third meeting between the two schools and the first since 2013.
Announced earlier in May, Houston's first road trip, and first Big 12 matchup, will be on Friday, Sept. 18 at Texas Tech on FOX with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
Additional kick times and network designations will be released soon with many released six to 12 days before kickoff.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
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.
Houston received one of the best television networks and kickoff times possible in Week 1 with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN against Oregon State on Sept. 5 following ESPN's pregame show College GameDay.
The Cougars have not opened their season on ESPN since playing Texas Tech inside NRG Stadium in 2021. The last time Houston played at 11 a.m. on ESPN/ABC in Week 1, the Cougars beat #3 Oklahoma on ABC in NRG Stadium in 2016.
The Cougars will host Southern in Week 2 on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12. The game marks the third meeting between the two schools and the first since 2013.
Announced earlier in May, Houston's first road trip, and first Big 12 matchup, will be on Friday, Sept. 18 at Texas Tech on FOX with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
Additional kick times and network designations will be released soon with many released six to 12 days before kickoff.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
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.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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