Houston’s Big 12 Arrival: Behind Willie Fritz, the Cougars Are Building Something Real
When Willie Fritz took over at Houston, he didn’t inherit a program humming with momentum. He walked into a rebuild. The Cougars were coming off a 4-8 season that closed the book on the Dana Holgorsen era with a 31-28 overall record-uninspiring numbers that left the fan base frustrated and the roster in flux.
But if there’s one thing Fritz has made a career out of, it’s turning chaos into structure-and doing it fast. He’s done it at Central Missouri, Sam Houston State, Georgia Southern, and most recently Tulane. Now, in just one season at Houston, he’s laid the foundation for what might be the program’s most exciting chapter yet.
A Rough Start, But the Blueprint Was There
Houston’s first season under Fritz wasn’t pretty on paper. Another 4-8 finish mirrored the record from the year before.
But the difference was in the details. The team looked more disciplined, more competitive, and more cohesive.
The growing pains were real, but so was the progress. Fritz was clearly installing a culture-and a system-that had staying power.
Roster Turnover, Real Results
This offseason, Houston saw some key departures-AJ Haulcy, Keionte Scott, and Anthony Holmes among them-but the additions more than held their own. Quarterback Conner Weigman transferred in and immediately gave the Cougars a spark. Running back Dean Connors and tight end Tanner Koziol added versatility and firepower to an offense that needed both.
The result? A 9-3 regular season turnaround.
That’s not just improvement-that’s a statement. And if not for a rough night against West Virginia, Houston might’ve been in the thick of the College Football Playoff conversation.
Texas Bowl Win Sends a Message
Saturday night in the Texas Bowl, Houston had a shot at a 10-win season and a chance to cap off their year with a bang. They got both. The Cougars took down LSU in a 38-35 thriller, powered by a four-touchdown performance from Weigman that showcased just how far this offense has come.
Yes, this LSU team was in transition-head coach gone, key players opting out-but the perception still matters. LSU is an SEC heavyweight, and beating them on a national stage sends a clear message: Houston isn’t just here to compete in the Big 12-they’re here to win.
Fritz Has Houston Believing
With a 10-win season in the books and a bowl victory over a name-brand SEC program, it’s safe to say Willie Fritz has Houston ahead of schedule. The Cougars aren’t just a feel-good story-they’re a legitimate threat in the Big 12.
And Fritz? He’s not going anywhere.
This is his program now.
The Quarterback Future: Weigman or Henderson?
Now comes the big question: What’s next for Conner Weigman? He’s got a decision to make-return for another season or declare for the NFL Draft. Either way, Houston is in a good spot.
That’s because the Cougars pulled off a recruiting coup this cycle, landing 5-star quarterback Keisean Henderson. A Houston native and the No. 4 overall player in the 2026 class, Henderson is the top-ranked quarterback in Texas and already practicing with the team as an early enrollee. He’s not just a future piece-he’s the future, and he’s already getting a head start.
Momentum Meets Opportunity
The Cougars have never won 10 games in a Big 12 season before. That changes now. This team has proven it can win in this conference, and with NIL support and a coach who knows how to build a sustainable winner, the ceiling is only getting higher.
Willie Fritz has done more than stabilize Houston-he’s ignited it. The Cougars have momentum, talent, and belief. Now it’s time to capitalize.