University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Ranked #24 in USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll
8/4/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
Houston named to preseason coaches poll for third time since 1992
HOUSTON – For just the third time since 1992, the Houston Football program was ranked in the USA Today US LBM Preseason Coaches Poll at #24 in the country.
The Cougars are coming off a 10-win season in 2025 which concluded with a Texas Bowl win over LSU.
Houston returns its starting quarterback, Conner Weigman, and his favorite wide receiver threat, Preseason All-Big America selection Amare Thomas, who will look to continue to build on their connection again this season. On defense, three starting defensive backs return with Jordan Allen, Will James and Kentrell Webb primed to hold down the secondary.
Thirteen different Cougars have earned preseason accolades with Weigman being named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, Thomas being named a Preseason All-American, and Allen and James earning preseason all-conference accolades.
The Cougars are one of four Big 12 Conference teams that earned a preseason ranking by the FBS coaches. TCU, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Arizona State and Kansas State also earned votes.
Houston begins the season on Sept. 5 against Oregon State at 11 a.m. on ESPN — arguably the best timeslot for kickoff in Week 1 of the college football season, immediately after ESPN's College GameDay.
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 Cougars are coming off a 10-win season in 2025 which concluded with a Texas Bowl win over LSU.
Houston returns its starting quarterback, Conner Weigman, and his favorite wide receiver threat, Preseason All-Big America selection Amare Thomas, who will look to continue to build on their connection again this season. On defense, three starting defensive backs return with Jordan Allen, Will James and Kentrell Webb primed to hold down the secondary.
Thirteen different Cougars have earned preseason accolades with Weigman being named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, Thomas being named a Preseason All-American, and Allen and James earning preseason all-conference accolades.
The Cougars are one of four Big 12 Conference teams that earned a preseason ranking by the FBS coaches. TCU, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Arizona State and Kansas State also earned votes.
Houston begins the season on Sept. 5 against Oregon State at 11 a.m. on ESPN — arguably the best timeslot for kickoff in Week 1 of the college football season, immediately after ESPN's College GameDay.
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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