Houston running back Re'Shaun Sanford has been through enough to let injuries become the headline of his college career. Instead, he’s trying to make sure they’re just part of the story.
Sanford’s path has been hit hard by two major setbacks. In 2023, he tore the ACL in his right knee during preseason camp and missed the entire season. Then in 2025, after looking ready for the opener against Stephen F Austin, he suffered a torn ligament in his left knee a week before that game and was forced to sit out Houston’s historic 10-3 season, one that ended with a bowl win.
Now, in 2026, Sanford says he’s healthy and focused on moving forward. He’s also taken something from the process beyond rehab: discipline, consistency and a refusal to let the setbacks become the end of the road.
"I only played one year and I had two injuries but I haven't let that stop me one bit," Sanford said to GoCoogs. "I'm just as excited for this season as I have been."
The one season Sanford did get on the field came in 2024, when he rushed for 444 yards and a touchdown. For a player coming off a torn ACL, that was a strong return. It also gave him a clearer sense of what it takes to stay steady in Willie Fritz’s offense, where the run game matters as part of a balanced attack.
Sanford also enters this season with help around him. Makhi Hughes is back in Fritz’s system, and DJ Butler is part of the mix too. The three backs bring different styles, which means Sanford does not have to carry the load alone.
With Houston aiming for the Big 12 Championship Game in 2026, Sanford has a chance to show that the injuries behind him do not define what comes next.
In Other News...
Houston Is In The Big 12 Talk But One Doubt Remains
Greg McElroys early look at the Big 12 heading into 2026 left plenty of room for debate, but not much room for a clear favorite. The ESPN analyst pointed to the leagues coaching turnover and the absence of the kind of superstar talent that usually separates the best conferences from the rest, and his read was simple enough: Texas Tech, BYU, Utah and Houston look good enough to get into the playoff conversation.
For Houston, that kind of recognition matters, even if it comes with a ceiling attached. The Cougars are at least being mentioned among the leagues most viable teams, which is a step forward in itself, but McElroys bigger point was harder to ignore. He does not see a Big 12 team that looks ready to go all the way, and that leaves Houston in the familiar spot of trying to turn promise into something more convincing when the spotlight gets brighter. [Read more 🡒]