University of Houston Athletics
Trio Named Preseason All-Big 12
7/6/2026 1:00:00 PM | Football
Hurst, James, Thomas add to their preseason accolades via Big 12 Media All-Conference selections
HOUSTON – Three Houston Cougar Football players were named to the All-Big 12 Conference Team by the media on Monday — offensive lineman Shadre Hurst, defensive back Will James and wide receiver Amare Thomas earned the honors.
The preseason all-conference accolades are the third this summer for all three.
Hurst was an All-American at Tulane before transferring to Houston ahead of the 2026 season, while Thomas (First Team) and James (Second Team) were both All-Conference selections in 2025.
Hurst, a Cartersville, Ga., native, was the top graded offensive lineman in the American Conference in 2025 and the sixth-best guard in the country according to his PFF grading. Hurst earned three all-conference selections during his time in New Orleans and was a 2023 Freshman All-American.
James led Houston with three interceptions, four turnovers gained and two forced fumbles while finishing second on the team with eight pass breakups. The Grand Bay, Ala., native earned PFF National Team of the Week and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025 following his performance against TCU that included five tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Thomas is coming off an All-American season in 2025 where his 966 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns were the most by a Cougar since Tank Dell in 2022. The Birmingham, Ala., native recorded six 20-yard touchdown receptions and three touchdowns of 50+ yards.
For the list of every Cougar 2026 preseason accolade, click here.
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.
The preseason all-conference accolades are the third this summer for all three.
Hurst was an All-American at Tulane before transferring to Houston ahead of the 2026 season, while Thomas (First Team) and James (Second Team) were both All-Conference selections in 2025.
Hurst, a Cartersville, Ga., native, was the top graded offensive lineman in the American Conference in 2025 and the sixth-best guard in the country according to his PFF grading. Hurst earned three all-conference selections during his time in New Orleans and was a 2023 Freshman All-American.
James led Houston with three interceptions, four turnovers gained and two forced fumbles while finishing second on the team with eight pass breakups. The Grand Bay, Ala., native earned PFF National Team of the Week and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025 following his performance against TCU that included five tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Thomas is coming off an All-American season in 2025 where his 966 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns were the most by a Cougar since Tank Dell in 2022. The Birmingham, Ala., native recorded six 20-yard touchdown receptions and three touchdowns of 50+ yards.
For the list of every Cougar 2026 preseason accolade, click here.
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.
—UHCougars—
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