Willie Fritz returns for his third season after leading the Cougars to a 10-3 record and a Texas Bowl victory in 2025. After significant coaching turnover the previous year, the coordinators now have a full season in the system and should be more advanced. Offensive coordinator Slade Nagle has the luxury of dual-threat QB Conner Weigman returning for his senior year. The Cougars lost top running back Dean Connors, but get back Re’Shaun Sanford, who missed the entire 2025 season, and are high on Oregon transfer Makhi Hughes. Houston returns just two of its top five receivers from last year and will miss the services of Tanner Koziol, who is now with the Jaguars. Amare Thomas returns after recording 67 catches last year, and the Cougars are high on Oregon State transfer Trent Walker. The offensive line returns two starters and will look to additions from the transfer portal to help protect the quarterback and open up running lanes.

Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong will need to replace the production of his top two tacklers from a season ago, Carlos Allen and Jalen Garner. Kentrell Webb leads a talented secondary along with Will James and Jordan Allen. Sione Fotu returns, leading the linebackers along with Ole Miss transfer Jaden Yates. All three levels have talented players and should be ready to compete early in the 2026 campaign.

Liam Dougherty returns as the primary punter. The Cougars will break in new placekicker Evan Noel, who comes over from Florida. Houston will also need to find a replacement for return man Mekhi Mews. With a veteran dual-threat quarterback and talent on both sides of the ball, the Cougars are capable of another ten-win season in 2026.