Houston Cougars
Big 12
4-8 (2-7 conf)
SP+ #94
Ratings
2023
- SP+
- -7.8 (#94)
- SP+ Offense
- 25.6
- SP+ Defense
- 32.2
- SRS
- -3.3
- FPI
- -2.1
- Elo
- 1421
- Talent
- 670
- Recruiting
- 192 (#55)
Schedule
record 4–8
Schedule
28th
toughest of 133
Offenses faced
12th
toughest of 133
Defenses faced
42nd
toughest of 133
Strength of schedule — how tough this team's opponents are, ranked 1 (hardest) to 133 (easiest).
| Wk | Opponent | SP+ | Score | Margin | Res |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vsUTSA | +5.4 | 17-14 | +3 | W |
| 2 | @Rice | -10.2 | 41-43 | -2 | L |
| 3 | vsTCU | +7.9 | 13-36 | -23 | L |
| 4 | vsSam Houston | -13.8 | 38-7 | +31 | W |
| 5 | @Texas Tech | +6.1 | 28-49 | -21 | L |
| 7 | vsWest Virginia | +7.5 | 41-39 | +2 | W |
| 8 | vsTexas | +23.2 | 24-31 | -7 | L |
| 9 | @Kansas State | +16.2 | 0-41 | -41 | L |
| 10 | @Baylor | -8.3 | 25-24 | +1 | W |
| 11 | vsCincinnati | -6.8 | 14-24 | -10 | L |
| 12 | vsOklahoma State | +6.7 | 30-43 | -13 | L |
| 13 | @UCF | +3.4 | 13-27 | -14 | L |
Quarterbacks · 2
2023 · 55
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | 1st | Donovan Smith | — | — | — | — |
| QB | 2nd | Ui Ale | JR | 6'0" | 210 | — |
Running Backs · 4
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RB | 1st | Parker Jenkins | JR | 5'11" | 209 | — |
| RB | 2nd | Stacy Sneed | SR | 5'11" | 185 | — |
| RB | 3rd | Tony Mathis Jr. | SR | 6'1" | 225 | ★★★ |
| RB | 4th | Brandon Campbell | — | — | — | ★★★★ |
Wide Receivers · 8
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | 1st | Sam Brown | — | — | — | ★★★★ |
| WR | 2nd | Matthew Golden | — | — | — | ★★★★ |
| WR | 3rd | Joseph Manjack IV | SR | 6'3" | 205 | — |
| WR | 4th | Stephon Johnson | SR | 6'2" | 190 | — |
| WR | 5th | Dalton Carnes | JR | 5'9" | 174 | — |
| WR | 6th | Joshua Cobbs | — | — | — | ★★★ |
| WR | 7th | Jonah Wilson | SO | 6'2" | 211 | — |
| WR | 8th | Peyton Sawyer | — | — | — | ★★★ |
Tight Ends · 3
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TE | 1st | Mike O'Laughlin | — | — | — | ★★★ |
| TE | 2nd | Matt Byrnes | JR | 6'6" | 245 | — |
| TE | 3rd | Brian Henry | — | — | — | ★★★ |
Offensive Line · 1
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OL | — | Reuben Unije | SR | 6'6" | 315 | — |
Defensive Line · 13
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE | 1st | Taleeq Robbins | SR | 6'1" | 285 | — |
| DE | 2nd | Nadame Tucker | SR | 6'3" | 250 | — |
| DL | 1st | Nelson Ceaser | — | — | — | — |
| DL | 2nd | David Ugwoegbu | — | — | — | — |
| DL | 3rd | Jamaree Caldwell | — | — | — | — |
| DL | 4th | A.J. Holmes Jr. | JR | 6'3" | 300 | ★★★ |
| DL | 5th | Hakeem Ajijolaiya | — | — | — | — |
| DL | 6th | Sedrick Williams | — | — | — | — |
| DL | 7th | Justin Benton | SO | 6'1" | 300 | — |
| DL | 8th | Zykeius Strong | — | — | — | — |
| DL | 9th | Justin Beadles | SR | 6'5" | 270 | — |
| DT | 1st | Chidozie Nwankwo | — | — | — | — |
| DT | 2nd | Amipeleasi Langi Jr. | SR | 6'6" | 312 | — |
Linebackers · 11
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB | 1st | Malik Robinson | — | — | — | — |
| LB | 2nd | Jamal Morris | — | — | — | — |
| LB | 3rd | Hasaan Hypolite | — | — | — | ★★★ |
| LB | 4th | Treylin Payne | SR | 6'0" | 215 | — |
| LB | 5th | Trimarcus Cheeks | — | — | — | — |
| LB | 6th | Jalen Garner | SR | 6'1" | 225 | — |
| LB | 7th | Latreveon McCutchin | JR | 6'3" | 245 | — |
| LB | 8th | Chris Pearson | JR | 6'2" | 194 | ★★★ |
| LB | 9th | Cavan Tuley | JR | 6'2" | 255 | — |
| LB | 10th | Aaron Willis | — | — | — | — |
| LB | 11th | Brandon Mack II | JR | 6'4" | 245 | — |
Defensive Backs · 11
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB | 1st | Isaiah Hamilton | — | — | — | — |
| DB | 1st | Malik Fleming | — | — | — | ★★★ |
| DB | 2nd | Brian George | — | — | — | — |
| DB | 3rd | Antonio Brooks | — | — | — | — |
| DB | 4th | Moses Alexander | — | — | — | — |
| DB | 5th | Alex Hogan | — | — | — | ★★★ |
| DB | 6th | Jalen Emery | SR | 5'10" | 185 | ★★★ |
| DB | 7th | Dorian Friend | — | — | — | — |
| DB | 8th | Noah Guzman | — | — | — | — |
| S | 1st | A.J. Haulcy | SR | 6'0" | 222 | ★★★ |
| S | 2nd | Juwon Gaston | SR | 5'11" | 188 | — |
Special Teams · 2
| Pos | Depth | Player | Cl | Ht | Wt | ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1st | Laine Wilkins | — | — | — | — |
| PK | 1st | Jack Martin | — | — | — | — |
2023 · pct vs FBS
SP+ Off
25.647
Off PPA
+0.1231
Pass PPA
+0.2442
Rush PPA
+0.0725
Success
40%27
Explosive
1.3068
PlayerMedian (50th)percentile vs league
SP+ Trend
points vs avg team
— Overall— Offense— Defense
SP+ = opponent-adjusted points vs an average team. Overall & Offense higher = better; Defense lower = better.
Advanced
2023 · opponent-adjusted PPA / play
| Split | Offense | Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | +0.12 | +0.25 |
| Passing | +0.24 | +0.35 |
| Rushing | +0.07 | +0.20 |
| 1st Down | +0.04 | +0.06 |
| 2nd Down | +0.18 | +0.21 |
| 3rd Down | +0.43 | +0.64 |
Scoring Trend
2023 · pts/game
PPG For
23.7
PPG Against
31.5
Differential
-7.8
— Points for— Points against
dots: W / LResults
2023
- Overall
- 4-8
- Home
- 3-4
- Away
- 1-4
- Conference
- 2-7
- Non-Conference
- 2-1
- One-Score (≤8)
- 3-2
- Avg Margin
- -7.8
Situational Splits
2023 · record · pts
| Split | Record | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | |||
| Home | 3-4 | 25.3 | 27.7 |
| Away | 1-4 | 21.4 | 36.8 |
| Competition | |||
| vs Ranked (SP+ 25) | 0-2 | 12.0 | 36.0 |
| Conference | 2-7 | 20.9 | 34.9 |
| Non-conference | 2-1 | 32.0 | 21.3 |
Season History · last 12
0 AP top-10 · 9 postseason
| Season | Record | Conf | SP+ | AP | Post |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9-3 | 6-3 | #40 | #22 | 1-0 |
| 2024 | 4-8 | 3-6 | #101 | — | — |
| 2023 | 4-8 | 2-7 | #94 | — | — |
| 2022 | 7-5 | 5-3 | #57 | #24 | 1-0 |
| 2021 | 11-2 | 8-1 | #31 | #16 | 1-0 |
| 2020 | 3-4 | 3-3 | #51 | — | 0-1 |
| 2019 | 4-8 | 2-6 | #82 | — | — |
| 2018 | 8-4 | 5-3 | #64 | — | 0-1 |
| 2017 | 7-4 | 5-3 | #43 | — | 0-1 |
| 2016 | 9-3 | 5-3 | #39 | — | 0-1 |
| 2015 | 12-1 | 8-1 | #53 | — | 1-0 |
| 2014 | 7-5 | 5-3 | #56 | — | 1-0 |
Recent Form · last 5
1-4 SU · 1-4 ATS · O1/U2
Betting Profile
2023 · 12 w/ line
| Straight up | 4-8 |
| ATS | 5-742% |
| Over / Under | 5-5 O-U |
| — ATS splits — | |
| As favorite | 1-2 |
| As underdog | 4-5 |
| Home | 4-3 |
| Away | 1-4 |
vs closing line · splits show cover–no cover
Recruiting Classes
avg #66 · 11 blue-chip
■ 5★■ 4★■ 3★107 rated signees
| Class | Natl | Pts | 5★ | 4★ | 3★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #52 | 199 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 | #60 | 184 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| 2023 | #55 | 192 | 0 | 3 | 8 |
| 2022 | #50 | 188 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 | #81 | 153 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2020 | #82 | 155 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2019 | #72 | 165 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2018 | #73 | 167 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| 2017 | #69 | 160 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2016 | #36 | 202 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
247Sports composite · class rank vs all FBS
Roster Talent
talent #49
Returning prod 23%Departed 77%
Talent composite670.3 #49 / 238
Returning usage (pass / rush / rec)1 / 47 / 42
returning PPA · portal · talent composite · 2023
Injury Report · 0
No injuries reported.
Team News
20 items
- Houston QB Conner Weigman Turns Heads at Manning Passing AcademyHouston's senior quarterback had a standout performance at the 2026 Manning Passing Academy, and he is set for another big season with the Cougars.
- What Wins and What Loses the Game for Houston vs UtahHere is what wins and loses the game for Houston against Utah.HOU1d
- How This Freshman WR Can Change The Game for Houston Next SeasonCould this receiver really impact Houston's WR room?HOU2d
- 5 Utah Players Houston Fans Need to Know For 2026 MatchupHere are 5 Utah players that fans need to watch out for.HOU2d
- Trap Game or Tune-Up? A Look at Utah on Houston's 2026 ScheduleWhere does Utah rank in Houston's 2026 schedule?HOU3d
- Willie Fritz Embraces Houston's Expectations in Suddenly Wide Open Big 12The Cougars return the core of a 10-win team. With spring practice in the rearview and fall fast approaching, Fritz spoke with Athlon Sports about his 2026 team.HOU4d
- Houston vs Utah: The Matchups That Will Decide The GameHere are all the matchups that will determine the game.HOU4d
- What Utah Does Better Than Houston And Why It MattersHere's what Utah does better than Houston and why it will impact the game.HOU5d
- LSU QB Peyton Houston reaffirms commitment after another visitThe Tigers continue to make an impression on the young signal-caller.HOU5d
- Why Houston Football Could Have the Big 12's Best Offensive LineWhy is this group the greatest in the Big 12?HOU5d
- Breaking Down Utah's Strengths, Weaknesses, & 1 Thing That Could Upset HoustonHere is Utah's strengths, weaknesses and one thing that could upset Houston.HOU6d
- How Dangerous Could Utah Be for Houston This Season?How dangerous are the Utes for the Houston Cougars next season?HOU6d
- Houston Football Preview 2026: The Cougars Are Good Enough to Win the Big 12Houston took a few years to get up to speed in the Big 12. Now Willie Fritz has a team capable of making a run at the conference title.HOU6d
- One Defensive Player That Could Be The Backbone for HoustonWhy this one player is the backbone for Houston's defense.HOU6d
- Why Latreveon McCutchin Is A Wild Card For the Houston DefenseWhat makes Latreveon McCutchin a wildcard at the JACK position?
- Houston Has a Star That Nobody Is Talking About EnoughHouston football has an underrated player who will be a household name by the end of the 2026 season.HOU7d
- Where LSU football QB commit Peyton Houston sits in latest rankingsLSU football's 2027 recruiting class is one of the best in the country. Here's where elite QB commit Peyton Houston stands in the latest rankings.HOU8d
- WR Gary Burney Jr. flips from Houston to LSULSU flips in state WR from Willie Fritz and the Houston CougarsHOU8d
- LSU Flips Key 2027 Offensive Recruit Away From HoustonHouston football lost another talented wide receiver commit in the 2027 recruiting class.HOU8d
- LSU, Lane Kiffin add new weapon in flip from HoustonLSU football secured a massive recruiting flip on Father's Day, as Lane Kiffin and company flipped this Houston target.HOU8d