Houston Cougars ranked #23 in 2026 Preseason AP Top 25
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 4:52 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
The Houston Cougars are ranked No. 23 in the Preseason AP Top 25 for the 2026 season, marking their first preseason ranking since joining the Big 12 Conference. This is their highest preseason ranking since 2016 and third such appearance in the 21st century. Houston, which finished last season with a 10-3 record, returns 12 primary starters including quarterback Conner Weigman, and has added notable transfers like Makhi Hughes from Tulane. The Cougars will begin their season at home against Oregon State, a rematch of a tightly contested game from 2025.
- •Houston is ranked #23 in the 2026 Preseason AP Top 25.
- •This is their first preseason ranking in the Big 12.
- •Last season, Houston finished at 10-3 and won the Texas Bowl.
- •Key returning players include quarterback Conner Weigman and All-Big 12 selections.
- •Houston opens its season at home against Oregon State.
- 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — Does Media doubt Texas? Longhorns No 5 in new Preseason AP Top 25 Poll
- 4:36 PMYahoo Sports — SMU ranked #19 in 2026 Preseason AP Top 25
- 4:33 PMYahoo Sports — Texas A&M ranked 8th in preseason AP Top 25 poll
- 4:07 PMYahoo Sports — Houston ranked #23 in 2026 Preseason AP Top 25
"The Preseason AP Top 25 has been released and the Texas Longhorns begin the season ranked No. 5. Do the voters doubt UT this season?
"SMU earns a preseason ranking for the second-straight year, checking in as the second-highest ACC team.
"The Cougars are ranked in the preseason for the first time since joining the Big 12.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 4:52 PMDoes Media doubt Texas? Longhorns No 5 in new Preseason AP Top 25 Poll
The Preseason AP Top 25 has been released and the Texas Longhorns begin the season ranked No. 5. Do the voters doubt UT this season?
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 4:36 PMSMU ranked #19 in 2026 Preseason AP Top 25
SMU earns a preseason ranking for the second-straight year, checking in as the second-highest ACC team.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 4:33 PMTexas A&M ranked 8th in preseason AP Top 25 poll
Preseason top 10 in both polls for the Aggies
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 4:07 PMHouston ranked #23 in 2026 Preseason AP Top 25
The Cougars are ranked in the preseason for the first time since joining the Big 12.
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