Houston’s roster looks a lot deeper than it did when the Cougars first stepped into the Big 12 in 2023, and that growth shows up in a spot that could matter plenty: wide receiver.
Amare Thomas is still the headliner. He led the Cougars last season and is expected to be the top target again for senior quarterback Conner Weigman.
But if Houston is going to push for a Big 12 championship, Thomas can’t carry the passing game alone. The real question is which receivers join him as the other starters once fall camp wraps up.
That battle is worth keeping an eye on because the Cougars may have their best outside talent in years. The offense has a chance to be better than it was a season ago, and the group at receiver is a big reason why.
Two sophomores already in the program, Koby Young and Jaquise Martin, are both back after seeing action last year. Young has stood out as a deep-ball threat and a player who can turn a touch into an explosive play.
He and Weigman have already connected for a couple of touchdowns in camp. Martin has also been getting plenty of work.
Houston added another major piece through the portal in senior Trent Walker from Oregon State. At 6-foot-2, he brings a versatile game, and his production last season - 823 yards and two touchdowns on 68 catches - gives him a strong case to climb the depth chart quickly. Offensive coordinator Slade Nagle made it clear he expects a lot from him.
"He's been excellent this spring. He's had a really good first two days, so we're looking for big things from Trent," offensive coordinator Slade Nagle said. "I don't necessarily know that we see him as the second complementary piece; we see him as another good football player."
There are more names in the mix, too. Senior Harvey Broussard III is back for a second season after making eight starts last year and scoring his first touchdown against Oklahoma State.
Sophomore transfer Muizz Tounkara is part of the group, though he’s currently injured. Redshirt sophomore Tyson Turner, a transfer from Texas Tech, has also been getting catches in fall camp.
Houston has options now, and that’s exactly why this position battle matters. The Cougars will have to sort out who lines up where, but the talent level at receiver is clearly higher than it was when they entered the conference.
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