University of Houston Athletics
Dave Campbell Texas Football Tabs 7 Cougars to Preseason All-Texas Team
6/24/2026 9:00:00 AM | Football
Cougars’ seven Dave Campbell’s Preseason All-Texas selections were fourth-most in state, second in Big 12
HOUSTON – Seven Houston Football players were named to Dave Campbell Texas Football Magazine's Preseason All-Texas teams on Wednesday.
Houston's seven selections were fourth most in the state and second-most among the four Big 12 Texas-based schools.
Offensive lineman Shadre Hurst, a Phil Steele Preseason All-American, was named to the First Team along with wide receiver Amare Thomas and defensive back Will James.
Hurst rejoined head coach Willie Fritz after beginning his career playing for Fritz at Tulane where he was a two-time All-American Athletic Conference selection and was the top graded offensive lineman for the Green Wave in 2025. The Cartersville, Ga., native was the sixth-highest rated guard nationally a year ago and ninth-highest rated offensive lineman, both by PFF.
Thomas earned Preseason All-Big 12 First Team honors from Phil Steele Magazine and was a Phil Steele All-American in 2025. The Birmingham, Ala., natives 966 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns were both the most by a Cougar since 2022.
James started all 13 of Houston's games in his first season as a Cougar, earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors in his first season as a Cougar after leading the team in interceptions (3) turnovers gained (4) and forced fumbles (2) while also blocking a kick and recovering a blocked kick.
Defensive lineman Khalil Laufau earned Preseason All-Texas Second-Team honors, along with tight end Patrick Overmyer offensive lineman Anthony Boswell, and linebacker Sione Fotu.
Laufau helped lead Houston's interior defensive line play that slowed opponent run games while providing seven 5+ tackle games and 10 multi-tackle games.
Overmyer, a Kingwood, Texas native, earned Freshman All-America honors at UTSA in 2024 and totaled 627 receiving yards on 58 catches and eight touchdowns at UTSA in three seasons.
Boswell earned Freshman All-America First-Team honors at Toledo before transferring to Houston. The Indianapolis, Ind., native also All-MAC First Team accolades after posting the 10th best offensive grade and the third best run-block grade by FBS centers.
Fotu started 12 of the 13 games he played in during his first season as a Cougar in 2025. His 56 tackles ranked fifth on the team and are second-most by returning Cougars. The Salt Lake City, Utah native was a Polynesian Player of the Year Watchlist honoree and earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week accolades following his 15-tackle performance at Oregon State (9/26/25).
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
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.
Houston's seven selections were fourth most in the state and second-most among the four Big 12 Texas-based schools.
Offensive lineman Shadre Hurst, a Phil Steele Preseason All-American, was named to the First Team along with wide receiver Amare Thomas and defensive back Will James.
Hurst rejoined head coach Willie Fritz after beginning his career playing for Fritz at Tulane where he was a two-time All-American Athletic Conference selection and was the top graded offensive lineman for the Green Wave in 2025. The Cartersville, Ga., native was the sixth-highest rated guard nationally a year ago and ninth-highest rated offensive lineman, both by PFF.
Thomas earned Preseason All-Big 12 First Team honors from Phil Steele Magazine and was a Phil Steele All-American in 2025. The Birmingham, Ala., natives 966 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns were both the most by a Cougar since 2022.
James started all 13 of Houston's games in his first season as a Cougar, earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors in his first season as a Cougar after leading the team in interceptions (3) turnovers gained (4) and forced fumbles (2) while also blocking a kick and recovering a blocked kick.
Defensive lineman Khalil Laufau earned Preseason All-Texas Second-Team honors, along with tight end Patrick Overmyer offensive lineman Anthony Boswell, and linebacker Sione Fotu.
Laufau helped lead Houston's interior defensive line play that slowed opponent run games while providing seven 5+ tackle games and 10 multi-tackle games.
Overmyer, a Kingwood, Texas native, earned Freshman All-America honors at UTSA in 2024 and totaled 627 receiving yards on 58 catches and eight touchdowns at UTSA in three seasons.
Boswell earned Freshman All-America First-Team honors at Toledo before transferring to Houston. The Indianapolis, Ind., native also All-MAC First Team accolades after posting the 10th best offensive grade and the third best run-block grade by FBS centers.
Fotu started 12 of the 13 games he played in during his first season as a Cougar in 2025. His 56 tackles ranked fifth on the team and are second-most by returning Cougars. The Salt Lake City, Utah native was a Polynesian Player of the Year Watchlist honoree and earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week accolades following his 15-tackle performance at Oregon State (9/26/25).
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
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.
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