University of Houston Athletics
Quartet Named to Panini Senior Bowl Top 300
8/20/2026 4:52:00 PM | Football
Hurst, James, Mayo, Thomas recognized by premier senior bowl group ahead of 2026
HOUSTON – Houston Football student-athletes Shadre Hurst, Will James, Jalen Mayo and Amare Thomas were named to the Panini Senior Bowl Top 300 on Thursday.
Hurst has been named to five publications' All-America teams this preseason along with the Lombardi Trophy and Outland Trophy Watch Lists. The Cartersville, Ga., native reunites with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach Eman Naghavi in Houston following their time together at Tulane where Hurst was an All-American and Freshman All-American while earning All-AAC honors in The American Conference.
Hurst's 80.0 pass block grade since 2023 by PFF ranks second among active FBS linemen. Across 1,200+ passing snaps, Hurst has allowed just one sack.
James has been named to four publications' preseason All-Big 12 Conference teams and the Nagurski Award Watch List. The Grand Bay, Ala., native is coming off a 2025 season where he earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades after leading the Cougars with three interceptions, four turnovers gained and two forced fumbles.
He earned PFF National Team of the Week and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance against TCU when he tied his career-high with five tackles, posted a career high two interceptions and forced a fumble.
The recognition is Mayo's first of the 2026 preseason after earning All-Southland Conference honors at Stephen F. Austin in 2025. As a cornerback, Mayo finished third on the team with 48 tackles in seven games and snagged four interceptions. Mayo is no stranger to TDECU Stadium, he made his SFA debut against Houston with three tackles including a TFL.
Thomas, a preseason All-American has also been recognized by the Biletnikoff Award for the second-straight year after being a mid-season add in 2025. Last season, the wide receiver hauled in 966 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, the most by a Cougar since Tank Dell in 2022.
The Birmingham, Ala., native recorded six 20-yard touchdown receptions and three touchdowns of 50+ yards. Thomas' 2,073 receiving yards since 2023 ranks fourth among active FBS wide receivers and his 23 receiving touchdowns since 2023 ranks second among active FBS wide receivers.
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.
Hurst has been named to five publications' All-America teams this preseason along with the Lombardi Trophy and Outland Trophy Watch Lists. The Cartersville, Ga., native reunites with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach Eman Naghavi in Houston following their time together at Tulane where Hurst was an All-American and Freshman All-American while earning All-AAC honors in The American Conference.
Hurst's 80.0 pass block grade since 2023 by PFF ranks second among active FBS linemen. Across 1,200+ passing snaps, Hurst has allowed just one sack.
James has been named to four publications' preseason All-Big 12 Conference teams and the Nagurski Award Watch List. The Grand Bay, Ala., native is coming off a 2025 season where he earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades after leading the Cougars with three interceptions, four turnovers gained and two forced fumbles.
He earned PFF National Team of the Week and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance against TCU when he tied his career-high with five tackles, posted a career high two interceptions and forced a fumble.
The recognition is Mayo's first of the 2026 preseason after earning All-Southland Conference honors at Stephen F. Austin in 2025. As a cornerback, Mayo finished third on the team with 48 tackles in seven games and snagged four interceptions. Mayo is no stranger to TDECU Stadium, he made his SFA debut against Houston with three tackles including a TFL.
Thomas, a preseason All-American has also been recognized by the Biletnikoff Award for the second-straight year after being a mid-season add in 2025. Last season, the wide receiver hauled in 966 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, the most by a Cougar since Tank Dell in 2022.
The Birmingham, Ala., native recorded six 20-yard touchdown receptions and three touchdowns of 50+ yards. Thomas' 2,073 receiving yards since 2023 ranks fourth among active FBS wide receivers and his 23 receiving touchdowns since 2023 ranks second among active FBS wide receivers.
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 ––
Players Mentioned
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