In just the second year under head coach Willie Fritz, Houston football finished with a 10-3 overall record, and the Cougars were one of the best teams in the Big 12 Conference.<\/p>\n
While the Cougars lost a lot of talent in the offseason, Houston reloaded through the transfer portal and 2026 recruiting class<\/a>.<\/p>\n Now, one of the biggest questions is if Houston football will be as good as last season?<\/p>\n Houston has fully changed directions under Fritz, and the Cougars turned a lot of heads because of their success last season.<\/p>\n One of the most impressive improvements was the offense under coach Slade Nagle.<\/p>\n In 2024, Houston averaged just 14 points per game and finished with a 4-8 record with the worst offense in the conference.<\/p>\n After the hiring of Nagle for the 2025 season, the Cougars\u2019 offense made a significant jump, averaging 29.1 points per game.<\/p>\n Another reason for that success was quarterback Conner Weigman, who will once again be a key piece in the game plan for this upcoming season.<\/p>\n With Weigman in his final season, Fritz and staff were very aggressive in the offseason and have assembled arguably an even more talented roster for this year.<\/p>\n The wide receiver room is mostly the same, led by star wide receiver Amare Thomas, although the Cougars added Oregon State transfer Trent Walker this offseason.<\/p>\n With the loss of a lot of production in the passing game this season, Walker is another experienced receiver who will take pressure off both Weigman and Thomas.<\/p>\n Houston also will have a more explosive running game with the addition of former Tulane and Oregon running back Makhi Hughes, who rushed for just under 2,800 yards in two seasons with the Green Wave.<\/p>\n With the offense improved in several key areas, Houston\u2019s defense also could take a jump in 2026.<\/p>\n Former Oregon defensive lineman Ashton Porter was one of the top additions for Houston this offseason, and he will be an immediate threat on day one.<\/p>\n The Cougars also improved the secondary with Jalen Mayo from SFA and Javion White from Tulane. The duo has a lot of experience, and their athleticism makes them versatile pieces in the secondary.<\/p>\n Overall, with the Cougars having a strong core of veteran returners along with many top transfers from the portal and a solid all-around high school class, Houston will be even better in 2026.<\/p>\nWhy Houston Football Will Be Better in 2026<\/h2>\n
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