Houston, TX, December 29, 2025
The University of Houston football program has successfully secured the commitments of quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Amare Thomas, and defensive end Khalil Laufau for the upcoming season. Their return comes on the heels of a strong season, indicating a solid foundation for maintaining competitiveness in college football. The Cougars aim to build on recent successes, with these pivotal contributors playing crucial roles in the team’s strategies moving forward. This commitment reflects an investment in both athletic talent and the broader economic impact of college football in Houston.
Houston, TX —
Cougars Secure Star Trio for 2026 Season, Bolstering Championship Aspirations
The University of Houston football program has secured a significant victory for its future, with three pivotal contributors officially committing to return for the 2026 season. This announcement, coming just days after the Cougars’ impressive 10-win season and a Texas Bowl triumph, signals a strong foundation for sustained competitiveness and highlights the benefits of strategic athlete retention in modern collegiate athletics.
Quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Amare Thomas, and defensive end Khalil Laufau have all re-signed with the Cougars, providing critical stability and talent for head coach Willie Fritz’s system. Their decision underscores a commitment to the program’s trajectory and a belief in the collective effort to elevate UH football on the national stage. The return of these impactful athletes is a testament to the dedication fostered within the university’s athletic department and the strategic initiatives supporting student-athlete success.
Driving Athletic and Economic Vibrancy in Houston
The continuity provided by Weigman, Thomas, and Laufau extends beyond the gridiron, carrying substantial implications for Houston’s broader athletic and economic landscape. College football, particularly successful programs, serves as a significant economic engine for its host cities. Major sporting events in Houston, such as the Texas Bowl, annually generate tens of millions in economic activity. In 2024, Houston collectively generated over $330 million in economic impact from various major sporting events. The Texas Bowl alone contributes over $30 million annually to the local economy, and alongside the Texas Kickoff, this figure approaches $80 million.
The presence of a highly competitive University of Houston football team draws visitors, boosts local businesses, and enhances the city’s profile as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. This ripple effect showcases the symbiotic relationship between successful university programs and regional economic prosperity, emphasizing the value of robust local sports infrastructure.
Building on 2025’s Resounding Success
The returning trio played instrumental roles in the Cougars’ impressive 2025 campaign, which saw the team achieve a 10-3 record and conclude with a dramatic 38-35 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl. This marked the program’s seventh 10-win season in school history and the first since 2021.
Weigman’s Stellar Performance at Quarterback
Conner Weigman, in his first season after transferring, delivered a standout performance, setting career highs with 2,711 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. He also proved to be a formidable dual-threat, adding 700 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. His leadership and playmaking were particularly evident in the Texas Bowl, where he threw a bowl-record four touchdowns.
Thomas: A Dominant Force in the Receiving Corps
Amare Thomas, a first-team All-Big 12 selection, emerged as a top target, leading the Cougars in receiving with 66 catches for 972 yards and 12 touchdowns. His consistent production provided a crucial offensive threat throughout the season.
Laufau Anchors the Defensive Line
On the defensive side, Khalil Laufau was a key contributor, recording 35 tackles and two sacks, demonstrating his impact on the Cougars’ defensive front. The retention of such a well-rounded group of talent underscores the program’s commitment to competitive excellence across all facets of the game.
Strategic Investment and Community Engagement Fueling Growth
The University of Houston’s athletic success is bolstered by strategic financial planning and robust community engagement. UH Athletics is committed to fostering a culture that supports student-athletes both on and off the field. The department prioritizes engagement, awareness, affinity, and pride among the university’s many communities. Student-athletes actively participate in civic and community service initiatives, such as the “Parade to the Polls” to encourage voter participation and community service events with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Furthermore, the “Coogs on the Road Summer Tour,” a collaborative effort between the UH Alumni Association and UH Athletics, strengthens connections between alumni and the athletic program, fostering school spirit and community among supporters across the nation. The UH Cougars Athletic Alliance also plays a vital role in uniting former athletes, alumni, and friends, promoting athletic legacies, and increasing resources for both the university and the broader community.
Financially, the University of Houston is navigating the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics with foresight. Having transitioned to the Big 12 Conference in July 2023, the athletic program is working to align its budget with that of other Power Four institutions. While starting with one of the lowest athletic budgets among Power Four schools, exceeding $80 million and growing to over $100 million in 2025, UH anticipates a significant increase in revenue starting in 2026 by receiving a full share of dispersed Big 12 funds, potentially adding $12-$20 million.
The Big 12 conference is also pursuing a private capital deal that could infuse millions into member institutions, with schools having the option to accept up to $30 million in capital. Critically, UH Athletics plans to allocate the maximum allowable amount for direct payments to student-athletes in the 2025-26 fiscal year, set at $20.5 million. A substantial portion of these funds, potentially between $13.9 million and $14 million, is earmarked for the football program, signifying a “huge leap” in resources dedicated to athlete compensation and recruitment. This emphasis on private initiative and responsible resource allocation ensures that the Cougars can remain competitive in the pursuit of top talent.
A Foundation for Future Success
The return of Conner Weigman, Amare Thomas, and Khalil Laufau for the 2026 season represents a monumental achievement for the University of Houston football program. It underscores the value of personal perseverance, strategic investment in athletic programs, and the robust community support that fuels success. By retaining key talent, fostering engagement with alumni and the wider community, and strategically managing financial resources, the Cougars are not just building a football team, but a thriving institution that contributes significantly to the spirit and economy of Houston, TX. Continued support for University of Houston TX athletics empowers these young athletes and strengthens the bonds that make our community exceptional. Stay engaged with Houston TX sports and support the Cougars as they strive for even greater heights.
FAQ Section
Q: Which key contributors are returning for UH football in the 2026 season?
A: Quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Amare Thomas, and defensive end Khalil Laufau have all re-signed to return for the 2026 season.
Q: What was Conner Weigman’s performance like in the 2025 season?
A: Conner Weigman set career highs with 2,711 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 700 rushing yards, and 11 rushing touchdowns in the 2025 season. He also threw a bowl-record four touchdowns in the Texas Bowl.
Q: How did Amare Thomas perform in the 2025 season?
A: Amare Thomas was a first-team All-Big 12 selection, with 66 catches for 972 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Q: What was Khalil Laufau’s contribution in the 2025 season?
A: Khalil Laufau was a key defensive contributor, recording 35 tackles and two sacks in the 2025 season.
Q: What was the University of Houston football team’s record in the 2025 season?
A: The University of Houston football team completed a 10-3 season in 2025, culminating in a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Texas Bowl.
Q: How does college football impact the Houston economy?
A: Major sporting events, including the Texas Bowl, generate significant economic impact for Houston. The city generated over $330 million in economic impact from major sporting events in 2024. The Texas Bowl alone contributes over $30 million annually.
Q: What are UH Athletics’ plans for direct payments to student-athletes?
A: UH Athletics plans to allocate the maximum allowable amount, which will be $20.5 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, for direct payments to student-athletes. A majority of these funds will be earmarked for football and men’s basketball, with football potentially receiving between $13.9 million and $14 million.
Q: How will the University of Houston’s athletic budget increase?
A: The University of Houston anticipates an increase in revenue starting in 2026 by receiving a full share of dispersed Big 12 funds, potentially adding an extra $12-$20 million. The Big 12 conference is also pursuing a private capital deal that could infuse millions into member institutions, with schools potentially receiving up to $30 million.
Feature Table: UH Football Key Contributors for 2026 Season
| Player Name | Position | 2025 Season Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Conner Weigman | Quarterback | 2,711 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 700 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, bowl-record 4 touchdowns in Texas Bowl. |
| Amare Thomas | Wide Receiver | First-team All-Big 12, 66 catches, 972 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns. |
| Khalil Laufau | Defensive End | 35 tackles, 2 sacks. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Houston Men’s Basketball Team Faces Middle Tennessee
Kats Rebound with Decisive Victory Over Biblical Studies
HCU Huskies Take on No. 3 Iowa State in Basketball Showdown
Mass Layoff Waves Slam Texas Industries
9-Year-Old Girl Injured in Houston Shooting Incident
Texas Longhorns Embrace Transfer Portal Dynamics
Houston Prep Stars Shine Through December Grind
Houston Cougars Triumph in Texas Bowl Behind Weigman’s Heroics
Texas Senate Race Faces Major Shift
University of Texas Student Faces Arson Charges
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX 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.
