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Houston Cougars' 2026 opener: Tune-up vs. Oregon State?
9 May
Summary
- Houston Cougars begin 2026 season against Oregon State Beavers.
- Oregon State has a completely new coaching staff and roster.
- Houston finished 2025 with a 10-3 record, capping with a bowl win.
The Houston Cougars will commence their 2026 football season by hosting the Oregon State Beavers on September 5. This matchup pits a rising Houston program, now in head coach Willie Fritz's third year, against an Oregon State team undergoing a complete overhaul.
After a 4-8 record in 2024, similar to Oregon State's recent struggles, Houston achieved a 10-3 record in 2025, culminating in a 38-35 win over LSU in the Texas Bowl. The Cougars are emerging as a formidable Big 12 contender.
Oregon State, conversely, enters the 2026 season with a new head coach, JaMarcus Shephard, and new coordinators. Having lost 35 players and recruited 37 new ones, the Beavers are in a rebuilding phase, contrasting sharply with Houston's established core and veteran leadership.
