Houston opened its 2026 season with a 33-20 win over Oregon State, and while the Cougars weren’t flawless, a handful of players gave them plenty to feel good about in Week 1.
The biggest spark came from wide receiver Thomas, who looked every bit like Houston’s top option right away in his first game as a senior. He finished with eight catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, leading the team in receiving and showing up whenever the Cougars needed something explosive.
His 31-yard touchdown in the first quarter came after he shook off two tackles, and later, with Houston clinging to a six-point lead late in the fourth quarter, he came through again with a huge third-and-six grab over a defender to keep the drive alive. Thomas has picked up right where he left off and looks poised to be one of the Big 12’s best players this season.
Houston also got a major lift from Sanford, who helped make the running back room look deep. The redshirt junior carried the ball 11 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, including a 56-yard score in the second quarter when he outran the defense and took it all the way to the end zone. After dealing with two ACL injuries in his first three years at Houston, Sanford’s speed was impossible to miss, and he could have a significant role this season.
At tight end, Overmyer didn’t grab the same attention during fall camp, but he was a steady presence in the opener. The redshirt junior stayed under the radar while still making himself useful in the passing game, finishing with six receptions for 84 yards, which was second on the team. He kept the offense moving and made sure he wasn’t overlooked as a target.
On defense, White gave Houston a versatile weapon off the edge and in the middle. The junior defensive back recorded two sacks and was the standout defender against Oregon State.
His first sack came on the opening drive, and his second effectively sealed the game late. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, the transfer from Tulane also showed he can handle bigger receivers and tight ends over the middle, which only adds to his value.
Then there was Weigman, who turned in a strong all-around performance at quarterback. The senior went 20-for-30 for 305 yards and a touchdown through the air, while also adding 30 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
His lone interception wasn’t really on him, since the pass was tipped after being catchable. Weigman showed touch at every level of the field and enough mobility to escape when needed, giving Houston an encouraging start from its underrated field general.
In Other News...
Houston Just Landed Another Backcourt Building Block For The Future
Houstons backcourt pipeline got another boost with the commitment of Darrell Davis, a four-star point guard in the 2027 class who is ranked No. 6 at his position by 247Sports. The SPIRE Academy guard in Ohio picked the Cougars after his visit, giving Kelvin Sampsons program another high-upside piece to develop for the future while the current roster keeps chasing bigger goals.
Davis had other notable options on the table, including Florida State and Mississippi State, but Houston made the kind of impression that has become increasingly familiar in this recruiting cycle. He joins Oneal Delancy in the Cougars 2027 class, which sits 16th nationally, and his pledge gives Houston another quality ballhandler to build around as the class starts to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Houston Just Added Another Piece To A Fast-Rising 2027 Class
Beau Daniels gave Houston another boost on the recruiting trail, committing to play for Kelvin Sampson after building interest from Auburn, Boston College and Oklahoma State. The four-star forward from Iowa United Prep is the latest name to join a 2027 class that has quickly become one of the most notable groups in the country.
Daniels is the third commit in that class, which currently sits No. 1 nationally, and his pledge only adds to the momentum around Sampsons future roster building. For Houston, the appeal is obvious: keep stacking talent early, keep the class at the top and see how far the Cougars can carry that head start. [Read more 🡒]
Houston May Have Found The Backfield Answer It Needed
Houstons win over Oregon State on Sept. 5 offered a little bit of everything on offense, but the most encouraging development may have come in the backfield. The Cougars piled up 533 total yards in a 33-20 victory, with quarterback Conner Weigman throwing for 305 yards and the ground game giving the attack a steadier, more balanced look than it has had at times in the recent past.
Makhi Hughes and ReShaun Sanford II gave Houston the kind of one-two punch it has been searching for, helping keep the offense moving and taking some pressure off the passing game. Head coach Willie Fritz has made it clear he wants that kind of rotation to keep the backs fresh and effective, a structure that could matter even more as the season wears on and the Cougars look for a sustainable identity behind Weigman. [Read more 🡒]