Houston is heading into fall camp with the kind of offensive blueprint that can make a team dangerous fast. The Cougars are closing out their first week, and each practice is sharpening the picture of what this unit could look like in 2026. With so many returners and portal additions in the mix, the offense stands out as the clear strength.
At quarterback, there isn’t much suspense. Conner Weigman is locked in as the starter after piling up 3,405 yards of offense in 2025, and he’ll be the one steering the group again.
Behind him, five-star freshman Keisean Henderson is positioned as the backup and could still carve out work in specialty packages or late-game spots. Syracuse transfer Luke Carney gives Houston a seasoned third option.
The backfield has real depth, but Oregon transfer Makhi Hughes is the name at the top of the chart for now. He’s drawn plenty of praise from the coaching staff and enters camp as the projected starter. Re’Shaun Sanford II is next up after working back from the season-ending injury he suffered last year, and junior DJ Butler has already shown he can handle meaningful snaps when needed.
Receiver is where Houston starts to look especially loaded. Senior Amare Thomas is the centerpiece after finishing second in the Big 12 in both receiving yards and touchdown receptions last season. Sophomore Jaquise Martin is another young piece on the rise, and the staff has reason to keep pushing him forward.
There’s still some uncertainty around Stephon Johnson’s return after he was granted a potential fifth season, but if he does make it back, he’d immediately sit near the top of the room. Sophomore Koby Young is also ready for a bigger role after catching 12 passes for 191 yards in his first real action a year ago. Junior Harvey Broussard III brings size and athleticism as another target who can win in contested situations.
Houston also has a veteran presence outside in Trent Walker, the former Oregon State receiver who arrives with 174 career catches for 980 yards and four touchdowns. He looks like the favorite to open camp as the starter at Z. Florida transfer Muizz Tounkara should be part of the rotation as well and adds another explosive option on the perimeter.
Tight end projects to be anchored by junior Patrick Overmyer, who came over from UTSA after a 344-yard sophomore season. The Kingwood native offers value as both a pass catcher and blocker. Senior Luke McGary should work alongside him, especially in blocking roles, while still contributing on offense when called upon.
Up front, Houston made some of its biggest moves through the portal. Tulane transfer Shadre Hurst is expected to step in right away and solidify the interior.
He was graded as the No. 6 guard nationally in 2025 by PFF, and the Cougars want that kind of plug-and-play help from day one. Junior guard Larry Crawford, who appeared in six games as a sophomore, gives them depth behind him.
At center, sophomore Anthony Boswell appears to have the edge after transferring from Toledo. He’s been one of the more impressive young pass protectors this offseason and looks like an important piece in holding the line together. McLain is back as depth at the spot if needed.
Right guard belongs to veteran McKenzie Angelo for now, and the resume speaks for itself. He was graded as the team’s top blocker in 2025 and didn’t allow a sack across 368 pass-block snaps. Senior Hingano Hautau is another experienced interior option and should continue to earn more work as the season moves on.
Houston also expects immediate help from Miami (Ohio) transfer Drew Terrill, who was recognized as the MAC’s highest-graded run blocker last season. Northwestern transfer Hayden Wright adds another layer of depth and brings developmental upside to the group.
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Houston Camp Buzz Is Building Around Conner Weigman For One Reason
Houston wrapped up its first week of fall camp with some encouraging signs as it looks ahead to the 2026 season, and the early buzz has centered on a roster that appears deeper than it was a year ago. Wide receiver and the offensive line stood out in particular, with sophomore Koby Young and senior guard Shadre Hurst both drawing attention for their work during the opening stretch.
Conner Weigman has also opened camp on a strong note, and the senior quarterback is already showing a clearer command of the offense. The most noticeable part of his start has been the growth in his throwing ability after a healthy offseason, which has given Houston reason to feel better about what the passing game can become once the intensity ramps up. [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 🡒]