University of Houston Athletics
Fritz Named to Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List
7/9/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football
Houston head coach tabbed to Coach of the Year Watch List by Bobby Dodd Foundation
ATLANTA – After leading the Houston Football team to a six-win turnaround in 2025, head coach Willie Fritz was named to the 2026 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl announced on Thursday.
The 2022 Dodd Trophy winner, Fritz led Houston in 2025 to a 10-3 record, a Texas Bowl win over LSU in the Cougars' backyard at NRG Stadium, a 6-0 road record — as the only team in the country to achieve the feat — and a top 25 ranking to end the season.
Heading into 2026, three Cougars have earned Preseason All-America honors and 12 Cougars have been named to various Preseason All-Big 12 Conference teams while multiple outlets have ranked Houston in the top 25 of their unofficial rankings.
Fritz's Cougars went from a four-win season in 2024 to a 10-win season in 2025 thanks to a surge in offensive production where Houston improved in scoring average, average yards, average passing yards and average rushing yards.
Named for legendary Georgia Tech coach Bobby Dodd, The Dodd Trophy was established in 1976 to honor the FBS football coach whose program represents three pillars of success: Scholarship, Leadership and Integrity. The award honors the coach of a team with a successful season on the field and equally as important, stresses the importance of academic excellence and desire to give back to the community.
A midseason watch list will be released in the fall, while the final list will be announced at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The winner of the 2026 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be recognized in Atlanta at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
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.
The 2022 Dodd Trophy winner, Fritz led Houston in 2025 to a 10-3 record, a Texas Bowl win over LSU in the Cougars' backyard at NRG Stadium, a 6-0 road record — as the only team in the country to achieve the feat — and a top 25 ranking to end the season.
Heading into 2026, three Cougars have earned Preseason All-America honors and 12 Cougars have been named to various Preseason All-Big 12 Conference teams while multiple outlets have ranked Houston in the top 25 of their unofficial rankings.
Fritz's Cougars went from a four-win season in 2024 to a 10-win season in 2025 thanks to a surge in offensive production where Houston improved in scoring average, average yards, average passing yards and average rushing yards.
Named for legendary Georgia Tech coach Bobby Dodd, The Dodd Trophy was established in 1976 to honor the FBS football coach whose program represents three pillars of success: Scholarship, Leadership and Integrity. The award honors the coach of a team with a successful season on the field and equally as important, stresses the importance of academic excellence and desire to give back to the community.
A midseason watch list will be released in the fall, while the final list will be announced at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The winner of the 2026 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be recognized in Atlanta at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
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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