2025 College Football Big 12 Team Previews: Houston Cougars

Team: Houston
Mascot: Cougars
Student Population: 47,980
Established: 1927
Motto: In Time
Location: Houston, Texas
Head Coach: Willie Fritz
Offensive Coordinator: Slade Nagle
Defensive Coordinator: Austin Armstrong
2024 Record: 4-8

Rankings

SP+: 59
FPI: 75
Kelly Ford: 66

Power Rankings

CBS Sports: 13

While the Cougars start low, they could quickly shoot up the board with a few breaks. Quarterback Conner Weigman was a five-star recruit who should find his mojo again playing for smart offensive coach Willie Fritz. The defense was a pleasant surprise, and new coordinator Austin Armstrong should be able to keep things going. (+3500)

SB Nation: 11

Among the teams at the bottom of the Big 12, the Cougars might have the highest upside. The first year under head coach Willie Fritz was not what anyone wanted, but the overhaul of the roster gives them a fascinating outlook on 2025. The crown jewel of their offseason was portaling in former Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman. It didn’t work out for Weigman at A&M, but if he’s healthy he gives Houston an upside not many in the Big 12 have. TEs Tanner Koziol and Luke McGary could be helpful for new OC Slade Nagle, who was with Fritz when he was at Tulane.

The defense is going to undergo a massive change, both in on the field and on the sideline. Austin Armstrong is now calling plays for the Cougars after Shiel Wood moved to Texas Tech, and the Cougars also have to replace three secondary starters. The offense looks like it could be good! The defense…we’ll have to see.

24/7 Sports: 12

Despite finishing near the bottom of the Big 12 again, Houston surprised some in 2024 and should continue to make progress under head coach Willie Fritz in 2025. If incoming transfer quarterback Conner Weigman can regain the confidence that propelled him into a five-star recruit, the Cougars could take a significant step forward.

Transfer Class Rankings

24/7 Sports: National Rank 27 | Big 12 Rank 3 (30 players)
Rivals: National Rank 28 | Big 12 Rank 8 (22 players)

Miscellaneous

Bovada Win Totals: 5.5

Athlon Big 12 Predictions: 11

As expected, coach Willie Fritz’s debut at Houston in 2024 was a rebuilding year with a 4-8 record. However, as Fritz has shown throughout his coaching career, his programs only get better in Year 2 and beyond. Don’t be surprised if the Cougars make a massive jump forward in the Big 12 standings.

Big changes are coming to Houston’s offense. After this unit ranked last in the Big 12 in scoring (14 points a game) and yards per play (4.87), Fritz dismissed coordinator Kevin Barbay and brought in his old Tulane play-caller Slade Nagle to direct this attack in ‘25. Not only have the Cougars upgraded on their staff, but the personnel has improved as well. Texas A&M transfer quarterback Conner Weigman is eager to live up to his recruiting hype after an up-and-down tenure in College Station. A fresh start in Houston should help Weigman’s career. Also, Fritz added several transfers to bolster a struggling offensive line and in the passing attack with the arrival of tight end Tanner Koziol (Ball State/Wisconsin) and receivers Amare Thomas and Harvey Broussard. Rice transfer running back Dean Connors is another versatile weapon for Nagle to deploy.

Defense wasn’t Houston’s problem last year. Despite an anemic offense leaving it vulnerable, the Cougars held teams to 22.9 points a contest. Fritz hired Austin Armstrong from Florida to replace Shiel Wood (left for Texas Tech), and while there are holes to fill, the overall play of this unit shouldn’t slip much. The late spring departures of cornerback Jeremiah Wilson and safety AJ Haulcy were a setback to the secondary. Fritz added help from the portal to alleviate those losses, while the front is in better shape with Carlos Allen and Brandon Mack II returning.