Houston’s biggest transformation under Willie Fritz might be hiding in plain sight up front.
Since Fritz arrived in December 2023, the Cougars have changed in plenty of visible ways - the record, the recruiting, the transfer portal activity, even the overall feel of the program. But the clearest shift may be the offensive line, and the run game that comes with it.
That’s a major break from the Dana Holgorsen era, when Houston was built first and foremost as a passing offense. Fritz has pushed the Cougars toward a more balanced identity, and the result is an offense that leans harder on the ground game and on physicality.
Power blocking has become a priority. So has depth, both along the line and in the running back room.
The current offensive line reflects that philosophy. It is loaded with transfers, including three from the 2026 transfer class, and the group is built to be bigger and stronger. The run-blocking has been the calling card, with Houston looking for linemen who can get to the second level and impose themselves physically.
Senior Shadre Hurst fits that mold, and so does Slade Nagle’s offense at guard. Senior Alvin Ebosele, who transferred from Baylor two years ago, brings a frame listed at 6-foot-6 and well over 300 pounds.
Transfer tackle Drew Terrill is built similarly. The line’s size matters even more because senior quarterback Conner Weigman can scramble and use designed runs, making the rushing attack a central piece of what Houston wants to do.
The backfield has changed, too. Senior transfer Makhi Hughes has been added as the main back, while Dean Connors was the No. 1 running back last season as a transfer.
Both are complete backs. DJ Butler got his chance as a freshman in Fritz’s first season, and Re’Shaun Sanford is the only running back who was already in the program before Fritz arrived.
Houston also brought in four-star running back John Hebert, a local product and one of the best at his position in the country. With all of that in place, the next big question is simple: what does this running game look like now?
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