University of Houston Athletics
Photo by: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Cougars in the NFL: Divisional Round
1/21/2026 12:14:00 PM | Football
Two Houston Football legends advance to the Conference Championship Round
HOUSTON – The Jones duo will represent Houston Football legends in the Conference Championship round as both Marcus Jones and Josh Jones secured wins in the Divisional Round last week.
AJANI CARTER | HOUSTON TEXANS | L, 28-16, AT NEW ENGLAND
TANK DELL | HOUSTON TEXANS | PUP/RESERVED LIST | L, 28-16, AT NEW ENGLAND
JOSH JONES | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | W, 41-6, VS SAN FRANCISCO
MARCUS JONES | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | W, 28-16, VS HOUSTON
CASE KEENUM | CHICAGO BEARS | L, 20-17, VS LOS ANGELES RAMS
ED OLIVER | BUFFALO BILLS | L, 33-30, AT DENVER
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STAY CONNECTED
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AJANI CARTER | HOUSTON TEXANS | L, 28-16, AT NEW ENGLAND
- Missed the Texans season-finale with the hamstring injury that derailed his debut campaign
TANK DELL | HOUSTON TEXANS | PUP/RESERVED LIST | L, 28-16, AT NEW ENGLAND
JOSH JONES | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | W, 41-6, VS SAN FRANCISCO
- Inactive due to a knee injury
- Seattle advanced to the NFC Conference Championship Game and will battle the Rams on Sunday
MARCUS JONES | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | W, 28-16, VS HOUSTON
- Played 58 defensive snaps, 77 percent of New England's total
- Snagged a 26-yard pick six to give the Patriots a 14-10 lead in the second quarter
- Returned four punts for 53 yards, including a 24-yard scamper in the third quarter
- His interception return touchdown was the first by a Patriots player in a playoff game since Asante Samuel had one in the 2006 AFC Championship game
- Became the second player in NFL history to have two interception return touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns in the same season
- Since the start of the 2022 season when he made his debut, he leads the NFL with six non-offensive touchdowns
- Posted two tackles and two passes defended
- The Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship Game and will play Denver on Sunday
CASE KEENUM | CHICAGO BEARS | L, 20-17, VS LOS ANGELES RAMS
- Inactive
ED OLIVER | BUFFALO BILLS | L, 33-30, AT DENVER
- Made his return to the field after tearing his bicep in late October
- Played 16 defensive snaps before departing in the third quarter
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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