Houston ranked #23 in 2026 Preseason AP Top 25
The Cougars are ranked in the preseason for the first time since joining the Big 12.
The Houston Cougars, newly part of the Big 12 Conference, have been assigned a preseason ranking of No. 23 by the Associated Press in the 2026 season. This marks the team's first-ever preseason ranking, previously besting No. 24 in 2022 and their highest since 2016. The Cougars have secured three preseason AP Top 25 appearances in the 21st century and 13th in the program's history.
They currently rank fourth among Big 12 teams, trailing Texas Tech, BYU, and Utah. The Cougars join the fifth-highest-ranked team in Texas, behind Texas, Texas A&M, Tech, and SMU. The returning roster includes 12 starters from last year's 10-3 season, including quarterback Conner Weigman, and All-Big 12 selections Amare Thomas and Will James.
The team also added notable transfers, including running back Makhi Hughes and guard Shadre Hurst, both former Tulane All-Americans. The Cougars' first game of the 2026 season will be against Oregon State at home, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
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