August 26, 2025

Houston Cougars Gear Up for 2025 Football Season

News Summary

The University of Houston Cougars are set to start the 2025 football season against Stephen F. Austin, marking a significant matchup that hasn’t occurred since 1948. With a new coaching staff and key roster changes, the team aims to improve upon last season’s performance. Notable additions include quarterback Conner Weigman and running back Dean Connors. The schedule features unique game days and the Cougars are determined to build momentum early in the season as they target a bowl game return.

Houston Prepares for 2025 Football Season Against Stephen F. Austin

The University of Houston Cougars are set to kick off the 2025 football season on Thursday against Stephen F. Austin at TDECU Stadium. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams since 1948, with UH holding a perfect 20-0 record against FCS opponents. As the Cougars enter this new season, they are armed with a revamped roster and a newly assembled coaching staff, aimed at reversing a disappointing 4-8 record from the previous year.

Key Additions and Changes for the Cougars

Head coach Willie Fritz has made significant changes to the coaching staff, appointing Austin Armstrong as the new defensive coordinator. At just 32 years old, Armstrong is among the youngest coordinators in the FBS, having previously served for two seasons at Florida. The newly appointed offensive coordinator, Slade Nagle, brings experience from LSU and has a history of working closely with coach Fritz.

The Cougars have also bolstered their roster with notable transfers, including quarterback Conner Weigman from Texas A&M and running back Dean Connors from Rice. Last season, Connors had an impressive tally of 1,551 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 105 receptions for 888 yards and five more touchdowns. Additionally, tight end Tanner Koziol transferred from Ball State, where he set single-season records with 94 receptions and 839 yards.

Season Highlights and Schedule Dynamics

The 2025 schedule features unique elements, including one Thursday game, three Friday games, and eight Saturday games. For the first time in its 80-year history, UH will not play consecutive home or away games this season. The Cougars will also partake in the 47th Bayou Bucket rivalry against Rice on September 6 at Rice Stadium, although no future games are planned due to conference realignment.

After the opener against Stephen F. Austin, Houston’s schedule progresses with a Big 12 matchup against Colorado on September 12, which features celebrity coach Deion Sanders. The team is looking to break a two-year bowl drought, having last missed the postseason in 1997-2002. Vegas has set the Cougars’ win total at 5.5 for the upcoming season, reflecting an optimistic outlook for a turnaround.

Returning Players and Key Contributors

The Cougars bring back key veterans including running back Stacy Sneed and long snapper Jacob Garza, both of whom are entering their sixth years. The only returning player from last season to record an interception is safety Jalen Garner. Receiver Stephon “Boogie” Johnson will also be a pivotal contributor after leading the team with 31 catches for 402 yards last season. The defensive line will see a continued role from Latrell and Latreveon McCutchin, with Latrell starting every game last season.

Facilities and Expectations for the Season

UH’s football program recently inaugurated the new $130 million Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center, which features improved weight rooms, locker rooms, and training facilities. With these enhancements and a refurbished roster, coach Fritz hopes to see significant improvement in his second season, as he has historically led his teams to better performances during that time frame.

As the Cougars gear up for their season opener, they are focused on setting a positive tone and building momentum early, addressing the struggles they experienced last year and aiming for competitive success in the Big 12 Conference.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

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.

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