University of Houston Athletics
Armstrong Tabbed Broyles Award Nominee
11/25/2025 3:02:00 PM | Football
Defensive coordinator has Cougar defense rolling in first season with UH
HOUSTON – Houston Football defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Austin Armstrong was named a Broyles Award Nominee on Tuesday following 11 games where the Cougars defense has been staunch.
Armstrong joined the Cougars following the 2024 season and has the Houston defense holding opposing team offenses to just 20.4 points per game – 30th nationally – while limiting teams on third down to 34.8% conversion rate.
The York, Ala., native inherited a defense that lost seven starters to the NFL or that transferred to other programs and a position group of inside linebackers without a single start for the Cougars.
One of the first-year starters for Armstrong at inside linebacker, senior Jalen Garner, started his first-career game and all 11 for the Cougars. Garner is tied for the team lead in tackles (72) and is one of five Cougars with multiple sacks (2.0) – both career highs.
Armstrong's inside linebackers have accounted for 6.5 of the team's 23.0 sacks this season and 193 tackles.
For the first time in award history, fans are able to vote for the Broyles Award. Fans can vote at BroylesAward.com/Vote.
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.
Armstrong joined the Cougars following the 2024 season and has the Houston defense holding opposing team offenses to just 20.4 points per game – 30th nationally – while limiting teams on third down to 34.8% conversion rate.
The York, Ala., native inherited a defense that lost seven starters to the NFL or that transferred to other programs and a position group of inside linebackers without a single start for the Cougars.
One of the first-year starters for Armstrong at inside linebacker, senior Jalen Garner, started his first-career game and all 11 for the Cougars. Garner is tied for the team lead in tackles (72) and is one of five Cougars with multiple sacks (2.0) – both career highs.
Armstrong's inside linebackers have accounted for 6.5 of the team's 23.0 sacks this season and 193 tackles.
For the first time in award history, fans are able to vote for the Broyles Award. Fans can vote at BroylesAward.com/Vote.
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 ––
Players Mentioned
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