Houston’s season opener had plenty of buzz before kickoff, but the moment that really took off came when the Cougars emerged from the tunnel behind a classic candy-red Cadillac.
The 2026 team entrance at TDECU Stadium on Sept. 5 gave Houston a different kind of flair, and the red slab - complete with chrome wheels and those extended wire spokes/rims associated with the city - instantly grabbed attention well beyond Houston. The video spread fast on social media and drew mostly positive reactions for the move.
“I loved it. That was a smooth car. I think I'm going to get me one of those in the future,” junior defensive back Javion White said postgame.
The entrance even made its way onto ESPN personality Pat McAfee’s show later in the week, where it drew more praise. Houston athletic director Eddie Nuñez responded by inviting McAfee to a game and offering him a ride in the Cadillac when the team comes out.
Thank you @PatMcAfeeShowPat, open invite to you! If you can make it happen to catch one of our games, we can have you riding in the Cadillac leading our team into the stadium.
Let’s Go! @UHCougarFB @UHCougars #BuiltByHouston https://t.co/D2W2as8KlM
Nuñez had also planned a flyover for the game, but weather forced that to be canceled, according to Chris Baldwin of PaperCity Houston. Baldwin also reported that Nuñez said the slab entrance “perfectly fits the Built By Houston push.”
And this looks like more than a one-night gimmick. According to TexanWireWheels on Instagram, the Cadillac is expected to return for the rest of the season. Houston has also continued showing it off on social media this week ahead of Week 2.
This is the way we ball🔥#BuiltByHouston x #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/H6SHx7TxQp
The opener delivered other viral moments, too. In the first quarter, a fan ran onto the field before being tackled by on-field security in a play that got plenty of attention and praise from viewers.
There was also a 30-minute lightning delay, but once the game got going, Houston handled business with a 33-20 win. Even with the victory, the Cougars still have key things to clean up.
They’ll get another home game in Week 2 against FCS opponent Southern, with a chance to sharpen things up before the Big 12 opener.
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For a program that has turned sustained roster construction into a calling card, getting that kind of early traction matters. It gives Houston an initial core to sell on the trail and another reminder that the Cougars are not waiting around to think ahead. The class is still taking shape, but the early outline is already the kind that can keep fans looking forward. [Read more 🡒]