Fritz Named Bear Bryant National Coach of the Week
10/28/2025 2:00:00 PM | Football
Houston ranked for first time since 2022, defeated its second ranked opponent under Coach Fritz
HOUSTON – After guiding Houston Football to its second ranked win in as many years and its first ranking at #22/#22 since 2022, Head Coach Willie Fritz was selected as the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Week.
Houston defeated then-#24/#25 Arizona State, 24-16, in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday, securing Houston's first ranked win on the road since downing #17/#14 South Florida, 28-24, on Oct. 29, 2017. It also marked the Cougars' second straight season with a win over a ranked opponent, the first time since 2017-18 Houston defeated ranked opponents in consecutive years.
The Cougars moved to 7-1 on the year with the victory, the team's best start since 2021. Among Power 4 teams with only one loss this year, Fritz's squad is one of six to have its only defeat come against a current AP Top 15 opponent.
Houston has won four consecutive road games in a season for the 12th time in program history after its 24-16 win at #24/25 Arizona State. The Cougars won their fourth consecutive road game for the first time since winning all six road contests in 2021 Houston is 4-0 on the road this season, the best mark since going 6-0 on the road in the regular season in 2021.
Fritz earned the honor almost two weeks after he was named to the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Watchlist on Oct. 15.
Fritz's honor is the latest to come for Houston this season. Quarterback Conner Weigman was voted Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the second straight week after posting 201 passing yards with a touchdown and no interceptions along with 111 rushing yards and two scores. Defensive lineman Eddie Walls III received Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 3.0 sacks, tying Houston's record for sacks in a Big 12 game, while the defensive line selected as the Big 12's Defensive Line of the Week.
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Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
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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.
Houston defeated then-#24/#25 Arizona State, 24-16, in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday, securing Houston's first ranked win on the road since downing #17/#14 South Florida, 28-24, on Oct. 29, 2017. It also marked the Cougars' second straight season with a win over a ranked opponent, the first time since 2017-18 Houston defeated ranked opponents in consecutive years.
The Cougars moved to 7-1 on the year with the victory, the team's best start since 2021. Among Power 4 teams with only one loss this year, Fritz's squad is one of six to have its only defeat come against a current AP Top 15 opponent.
Houston has won four consecutive road games in a season for the 12th time in program history after its 24-16 win at #24/25 Arizona State. The Cougars won their fourth consecutive road game for the first time since winning all six road contests in 2021 Houston is 4-0 on the road this season, the best mark since going 6-0 on the road in the regular season in 2021.
Fritz earned the honor almost two weeks after he was named to the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Watchlist on Oct. 15.
Fritz's honor is the latest to come for Houston this season. Quarterback Conner Weigman was voted Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the second straight week after posting 201 passing yards with a touchdown and no interceptions along with 111 rushing yards and two scores. Defensive lineman Eddie Walls III received Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 3.0 sacks, tying Houston's record for sacks in a Big 12 game, while the defensive line selected as the Big 12's Defensive Line of the Week.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining 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 ––
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