University of Houston Athletics
Hurst, Laufau Tabbed to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List
8/4/2026 11:05:00 AM | Football
Duo on opposite side of the ball land on watch list for top lineman in college football
DALLAS – University of Houston offensive lineman Shadre Hurst and defensive lineman Khalil Laufau were named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List the Football Writers Association announced on Tuesday.
Hurst, who has earned Preseason All-America honors this season, reunites with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach Eman Naghavi in Houston following their time together at Tulane where Hurst was an All-American and Freshman All-American while earning All-AAC honors in The American Conference.
In 2025, Hurst was the top graded offensive lineman in the American Athletic Conference and the sixth highest graded guard in the country by PFF. At Tulane, Hurst helped Tulane to three conference titles (2022-23, 2025) and has allowed just one sack in four seasons.
Laufau, a Preseason All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, posted a season-high two tackles for loss in Houston's Texas Bowl win over LSU and recorded two sacks on the season as one of the Cougars' interior linemen that helped slow the running game.
The Salt Lake City, Utah, native recorded a season-high seven tackles at Oregon State and recorded multiple tackles in 10 of 12 games.
Houston is one of five Big 12 Conference schools with multiple selections to the Preseason Watch List. Houston is one of three Big 12 schools with both an offensive and defensive player on the Watch List.
The Outland Trophy, celebrating its 81st year since its founding, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.
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.
Hurst, who has earned Preseason All-America honors this season, reunites with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach Eman Naghavi in Houston following their time together at Tulane where Hurst was an All-American and Freshman All-American while earning All-AAC honors in The American Conference.
In 2025, Hurst was the top graded offensive lineman in the American Athletic Conference and the sixth highest graded guard in the country by PFF. At Tulane, Hurst helped Tulane to three conference titles (2022-23, 2025) and has allowed just one sack in four seasons.
Laufau, a Preseason All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, posted a season-high two tackles for loss in Houston's Texas Bowl win over LSU and recorded two sacks on the season as one of the Cougars' interior linemen that helped slow the running game.
The Salt Lake City, Utah, native recorded a season-high seven tackles at Oregon State and recorded multiple tackles in 10 of 12 games.
Houston is one of five Big 12 Conference schools with multiple selections to the Preseason Watch List. Houston is one of three Big 12 schools with both an offensive and defensive player on the Watch List.
The Outland Trophy, celebrating its 81st year since its founding, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.
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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