University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Ranked #23 in Preseason AP Poll
8/17/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Houston named to Preseason AP Poll for third time since 1992
HOUSTON – For just the third time in the last 10 years, the Houston Football program was ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Preseason Poll at #23 in the country.
Houston was ranked #24 in the USA Today US LBM Preseason Coaches Poll two weeks ago and is ranked in the Preseason AP Poll for the first time since 2022 with its highest ranking since 2016.
The Cougars are coming off a 10-win season in 2025 which concluded with a Texas Bowl win over LSU.
Houston returns its starting quarterback, Conner Weigman, and his favorite wide receiver threat, Preseason All-Big America selection Amare Thomas, who will look to continue to build on their connection again this season. On defense, three starting defensive backs return with Jordan Allen, Will James and Kentrell Webb primed to hold down the secondary.
Fourteen different Cougars have earned preseason accolades with Weigman being named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, Thomas being named a Preseason All-American, and Allen and James earning preseason all-conference accolades.
The Cougars are one of four Big 12 Conference teams that earned a preseason ranking by the media. Arizona, TCU and Oklahoma State also earned votes.
Since the Preseason AP Poll debuted in 1950, Houston has been ranked in 13 preseason polls (2026, 2022, 2016, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1980, 1979, 1977, 1974, 1973, 1970, 1969).
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking 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.
Houston was ranked #24 in the USA Today US LBM Preseason Coaches Poll two weeks ago and is ranked in the Preseason AP Poll for the first time since 2022 with its highest ranking since 2016.
The Cougars are coming off a 10-win season in 2025 which concluded with a Texas Bowl win over LSU.
Houston returns its starting quarterback, Conner Weigman, and his favorite wide receiver threat, Preseason All-Big America selection Amare Thomas, who will look to continue to build on their connection again this season. On defense, three starting defensive backs return with Jordan Allen, Will James and Kentrell Webb primed to hold down the secondary.
Fourteen different Cougars have earned preseason accolades with Weigman being named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, Thomas being named a Preseason All-American, and Allen and James earning preseason all-conference accolades.
The Cougars are one of four Big 12 Conference teams that earned a preseason ranking by the media. Arizona, TCU and Oklahoma State also earned votes.
Since the Preseason AP Poll debuted in 1950, Houston has been ranked in 13 preseason polls (2026, 2022, 2016, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1980, 1979, 1977, 1974, 1973, 1970, 1969).
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking 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.com ––
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