
Cougars Continue to Raise Bar in Classroom
12/19/2024 2:55:00 PM | Football
Houston Football sees GPA uptick year-over-year as 54 Cougars earned 3.0+ GPA
HOUSTON – University of Houston Football turned in another strong semester in the classroom, boasting increases in term GPA and hours passed while slicing in half its failing grades from fall 2023 highlighted by 14 student-athletes being named to the Dean's List for a 3.5 GPA or above in undergraduate studies.
"I'm incredibly proud of the strides our guys made academically this fall," Houston Football Head Coach Willie Fritz said. "They worked hard to balance the demands of competing at the highest level both on the field and in the classroom. [Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Services] Tatjana Banjeglav, along with our academic support staff and tutors, did an outstanding job preparing our team for success."
In total, Houston Football student-athletes passed 93.96% of its nearly 1,650 hours attempted, during the fall led by 54 student-athletes who posted a 3.0 GPA or above. The Cougars earned a significant jump in term GPA, increasing the output from 2.53 during fall 2023 to 2.74 during fall 2024.
"I am extremely proud of the dedication our student-athletes have shown, balancing the demands of the classroom and on the field," Banjeglav said. "Coach Fritz and his staff have done a tremendous job motivating our players to be successful in the classroom. Their academic success is a testament to their hard work, discipline and commitment to excellence both as students and athletes."
Seven student-athletes earned their degrees:
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by placing your 2025 season ticket deposit, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
"I'm incredibly proud of the strides our guys made academically this fall," Houston Football Head Coach Willie Fritz said. "They worked hard to balance the demands of competing at the highest level both on the field and in the classroom. [Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Services] Tatjana Banjeglav, along with our academic support staff and tutors, did an outstanding job preparing our team for success."
In total, Houston Football student-athletes passed 93.96% of its nearly 1,650 hours attempted, during the fall led by 54 student-athletes who posted a 3.0 GPA or above. The Cougars earned a significant jump in term GPA, increasing the output from 2.53 during fall 2023 to 2.74 during fall 2024.
"I am extremely proud of the dedication our student-athletes have shown, balancing the demands of the classroom and on the field," Banjeglav said. "Coach Fritz and his staff have done a tremendous job motivating our players to be successful in the classroom. Their academic success is a testament to their hard work, discipline and commitment to excellence both as students and athletes."
Seven student-athletes earned their degrees:
- Maliq Carr, TE – Football – Management & Leadership, M.S.
- Shamar Hobdy-Lee, OL – Football – Global Retailing, M.S.
- Joseph Manjack IV, WR – Football – Psychology
- David Ndukwe, OL – Football – Global Retailing, M.S.
- Stacy Sneed, RB – Football – Business and Consumer Sciences and Social Sciences
- Dakota White, OL – Football – Business and Consumer Sciences and Social Sciences
- Jake Wiley, OL – Football – Global Retailing, M.S.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by placing your 2025 season ticket deposit, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
Players Mentioned
Press Conference: Head Coach Willie Fritz Previews Oklahoma State
Monday, October 06
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. Texas Tech
Saturday, October 04
Highlights: Houston 27, Oregon State 24 (OT)
Monday, September 29
POSTGAME – at Oregon State (Sept. 26, 2025)
Saturday, September 27