News Summary
In a thrilling matchup, the Houston Cougars triumphed over the Oregon State Beavers with a 27-24 overtime victory at Reser Stadium. Trailing by 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Cougars rallied back, capped by a game-winning field goal. This victory marks Houston’s first win in the Pacific time zone since 1989 and improves their season record to 4-0, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination in overcoming a challenging game.
Corvallis, Oregon – The Houston Cougars achieved a thrilling 27-24 overtime victory against the Oregon State Beavers on September 26, 2025, at Reser Stadium. The win marks a significant milestone for Houston, as it is their first victory in the Pacific time zone since beating UNLV 69-0 in 1989, while also improving their season record to 4-0 for the first time since 2016.
The Cougars found themselves in a challenging position, trailing by 14 points with just 12:34 left in the fourth quarter. The deficit came following an 18-yard touchdown run from Oregon State’s Cornell Hatcher Jr. The Cougars, however, fought back decisively. Houston quarterback Conner Weigman completed a critical 17-yard touchdown pass to Stephon Johnson, narrowing the score to 24-17 with 5:59 remaining on the clock.
Following the touchdown, Houston’s defense stepped up, forcing Oregon State to go three-and-out and draining just 88 seconds off the game clock. This defensive stand provided the Cougars with another opportunity to pull closer. With 3:40 left in regulation, Tanner Koziol made a spectacular catch-and-run play, receiving a pass from Weigman and sprinting for a 50-yard touchdown. This remarkable play tied up the score at 24.
Weigman demonstrated impressive skill throughout the game, finishing with 20 completed passes out of 36 attempts for a total of 270 yards and two touchdowns. The Cougars, however, were not without their struggles. They faced significant challenges, including a dismal third quarter where they accumulated only seven total yards. Additionally, penalties and a lack of offensive rhythm initially hindered their performance. Before the Cougars began their comeback, Oregon State had a 97.5% win probability implied, showcasing the magnitude of Houston’s turnaround.
As the fourth quarter came to a close, the Beavers attempted to regain the lead with a field goal. However, Houston’s Marc Stampley II made a pivotal play by blocking Cameron Smith’s 46-yard field goal attempt with just five seconds left in regulation. This block propelled the game into overtime, providing the Cougars with a renewed opportunity to claim victory.
In the overtime period, the Beavers’ possession concluded after they failed to convert on a critical fourth down. This set the stage for Houston’s game-winning moment. Houston’s Ethan Sanchez stepped up flawlessly, kicking a 24-yard field goal that sealed the victory for the Cougars.
The game attracted a total attendance of 29,338 fans, showcasing the support for both teams involved. Notably, Stanford Johnson and Koziol were key contributors to Houston’s offense, with Johnson catching two touchdown passes throughout the game and Koziol making that critical 50-yard reception to help tie the game.
This comeback victory not only adds to Houston’s season record but also reflects their resilience and determination to overcome adversity. After struggling in the earlier parts of the game, the Cougars showcased their ability to rally and secure a win against the odds.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Big 12 Power Rankings
- Wikipedia: Houston Cougars
- Houston Chronicle: Cougars Comeback
- Google Search: Houston Cougars football
- MSN: Houston Overtakes Oregon State
- Google Scholar: Houston Cougars football victory
- Oregon Live: Beavers vs Cougars
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston Cougars
- Statesman Journal: Oregon State vs Houston
- Google News: Houston Cougars vs Oregon State
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HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
