Willie Fritz enters his third season at Houston following a 10-3 campaign and a Texas Bowl victory in 2025. Slade Nagle returns as offensive coordinator, while Conner Weigman returns at quarterback for his senior season. Houston must replace leading rusher Dean Connors, while Re’Shaun Sanford returns after missing the 2025 season and Oregon transfer Makhi Hughes joins the backfield. Houston returns two of its top five players in receiving production from last season in Amare Thomas and Koby Young following the departure of Tanner Koziol. Thomas returns after recording 67 receptions last season, while Oregon State transfer Trent Walker joins the receiving corps and UTSA transfer Patrick Overmyer joins the tight end group. The offensive line returns full-time starters Alvin Ebosele and McKenzie Agnello after making 13 and 10 starts, respectively.

Austin Armstrong returns as defensive coordinator. Houston returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top two in Carlos Allen and Jalen Garner. Sione Fotu returns at linebacker, while Ole Miss transfer Jaden Yates joins the group. Khalil Laufau returns along the defensive front, while Kentrell Webb, Jordan Allen, and Will James return in the secondary.

Chris Couch enters his second season as special teams coordinator. Florida transfer Evan Noel joins the program at placekicker, while Liam Dougherty returns at punter. Houston will feature new primary returners following Mekhi Mews’ departure, with Trent Walker and Jaquise Martin among the leading options during fall camp. Houston enters 2026 with continuity at quarterback, two full-time starters returning along the offensive line, and five of its top eleven tacklers returning on defense.