University of Houston Athletics
Thomas, Hurst Headline Athlon Sports Preseason Awards
7/1/2026 2:08:00 PM | Football
Pair earn Preseason All-America honors, 12 earn Preseason All-Big 12 accolades
HOUSTON – Wide receiver Amare Thomas and offensive lineman Shadre Hurst were Houston Football's two Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Third-Team selections announced in June. The pair, along with defensive back Will James were also named Preseason All-Big 12 First-Team honorees.
For the second time this summer, Hurst earned Preseason All-America honors but this time was joined by Thomas and James.
The trio of All-Big 12 First-Team selections ranked third in the Big 12 and the Cougars ranked third in the league with 12 total Preseason All-Big 12 selections.
Running back Makhi Hughes, JACK Brandon Mack II, and defensive back Javion White earned All-Big 12 Second-Team honors. Tight end Patrick Overmyer, defensive lineman Khalil Laufau and defensive back Jordan Allen were named to the Third Team. Offensive linemen Anthony Boswell and Drew Terrill joined linebacker Sione Fotu on the Fourth Team.
The preseason awards are the second Preseason All-Big 12 awards for Hurst, Thomas, James, Boswell, Fotu, Laufau, Overmyer, and White and the second Preseason All-America honors for Hurst.
Seven Cougars landed on the Phil Steele Magazine Preseason All-Big 12 team.
Full Breakdown:
All-America Honors
Third-Team
WR Amare Thomas
OL Shadre Hurst
All-Big 12 Honors
First-Team
WR Amare Thomas
OL Shadre Hurst
DB Will James
Second-Team
RB Makhi Hughes
JACK Brandon Mack II
DB Javion White
Third-Team
TE Patrick Overmyer
DL Khalil Laufau
DB Jordan Allen
Fourth-Team
OL Anthony Boswell
OL Drew Terrill
LB Sione Fotu
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 ––
For the second time this summer, Hurst earned Preseason All-America honors but this time was joined by Thomas and James.
The trio of All-Big 12 First-Team selections ranked third in the Big 12 and the Cougars ranked third in the league with 12 total Preseason All-Big 12 selections.
Running back Makhi Hughes, JACK Brandon Mack II, and defensive back Javion White earned All-Big 12 Second-Team honors. Tight end Patrick Overmyer, defensive lineman Khalil Laufau and defensive back Jordan Allen were named to the Third Team. Offensive linemen Anthony Boswell and Drew Terrill joined linebacker Sione Fotu on the Fourth Team.
The preseason awards are the second Preseason All-Big 12 awards for Hurst, Thomas, James, Boswell, Fotu, Laufau, Overmyer, and White and the second Preseason All-America honors for Hurst.
Seven Cougars landed on the Phil Steele Magazine Preseason All-Big 12 team.
Full Breakdown:
All-America Honors
Third-Team
WR Amare Thomas
OL Shadre Hurst
All-Big 12 Honors
First-Team
WR Amare Thomas
OL Shadre Hurst
DB Will James
Second-Team
RB Makhi Hughes
JACK Brandon Mack II
DB Javion White
Third-Team
TE Patrick Overmyer
DL Khalil Laufau
DB Jordan Allen
Fourth-Team
OL Anthony Boswell
OL Drew Terrill
LB Sione Fotu
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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