The first week of Houston’s fall camp is in the books, and the Cougars already look like a team with real substance on both sides of the ball.
That matters in the Big 12, where depth can make or break a season. Houston learned that the hard way in its first two years in the league, but this group looks much better equipped heading into 2026. The Cougars are working toward Aug. 28 with a preseason No. 24 ranking in the coaches poll and legitimate expectations to push for the Big 12 championship.
A big part of that early optimism comes from what’s showing up in camp. Houston has had a number of wideouts flash, but sophomore Koby Young was the name that stood out most in week one. He didn’t drop a pass and hauled in several impressive catches, showing the kind of speed and big-play ability that can change an offense.
Young isn’t the only emerging target either. Senior Amare Thomas and transfer Trent Walker are already established pieces, but sophomore Jaquise Martin and redshirt sophomore transfer Tyson Turner have also put themselves into the conversation for more snaps in the rotation.
Up front, Houston’s offensive line has looked solid early and appears to have settled in. The group includes three new starters from the transfer portal, but it’s being anchored by senior guard Shadre Hurst, who has collected multiple national honors. At this point in camp, the focus has shifted to sorting out the depth behind the starters.
The secondary has also stood out for its depth, giving Houston a mix of experience and talent that should help on the back end.
Coaches have been direct with the players throughout camp, and Fritz made that approach clear when he said, "Conflict is good. Confrontation is good.
You've got to do it the right way. You see something obvious you should correct, correct it right then and there," Fritz said.
Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong delivered the line of camp after the first practice, underscoring the standard he wants from his defense: "If we give up 40 points a game this year, I'm going to be working at H-E-B," Armstrong said after the first practice.
At quarterback, Conner Weigman looks like a player who has taken a step. The senior was a major reason Houston’s offense turned things around, and now he’s back for his second year at UH after finally getting a healthy offseason. Fritz said, "I see a little more zip on the ball, a little more distance when he throws it," Fritz said.
Weigman backed that up during the first week, putting plenty of velocity on his intermediate throws and continuing to show a strong connection with Thomas. If that level of play holds, Houston’s offense has a chance to be far more explosive than it was a year ago.
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Houstons 2026 Offense Is Taking Shape With One Big Question
Houston is wrapping up its first week of fall camp, and the early shape of the offense is starting to come into focus. The quarterback room has a clear hierarchy, the backfield looks deep, and there is enough movement across the receiving corps and offensive line to suggest the Cougars will have plenty of options when the 2026 season arrives.
The bigger question is how quickly all of those pieces settle into something reliable. Transfers and returning players are both in the mix up front and out wide, which gives Houston a chance to build around experience while also sorting out roles that are still taking form. For a team trying to define its offensive identity early, the next stretch of camp should go a long way toward revealing which groups are ready now and which ones still need time. [Read more 🡒]
Houston May Have Its Best Shot Yet To Climb The Big 12
Houstons path in the Big 12 looks a lot sturdier heading into 2026 than it has in some recent seasons, and a big reason is the way the roster is lining up around the quarterback position. Conner Weigman brings experience, while Keisean Henderson arrives with the kind of hype that usually signals a programs long-term answer. With both in the building, the Cougars have the rare luxury of combining a proven option with a highly rated prospect who could take over when the time is right.
The rest of the offense also gives Houston a better foundation than it has had in a while. A rebuilt offensive line should help stabilize the front, the receiving corps looks strong, and the running back room adds depth that can keep defenses honest. Put it all together, and the Cougars finally have the sort of roster balance that can make a real climb in a league where margin for error is thin. [Read more 🡒]