If you’re looking for a u of h football score today, I’ve got some news that might be a little bit of a letdown—but honestly, it’s also kind of exciting. There wasn't a game. Since it's January 18, 2026, the pads have been in the locker room for weeks. The Houston Cougars officially wrapped up their season back on December 27, 2025, with that absolute nail-biter of a win against LSU in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl.
That 38-35 victory was massive. It capped off a 10-win season under Willie Fritz, which, let’s be real, nobody really saw coming after the 4-8 slump in 2024. But just because there isn't a live score on the ticker today doesn't mean the program is quiet. In fact, today is one of those "make or break" days for the 2026 roster. While the scoreboard is dark, the transfer portal is basically on fire.
What Really Happened with the Houston Cougars Season
The final u of h football score today is essentially the legacy of that Texas Bowl win. Houston ended the year 10-4. Think about that for a second. In just two seasons, Fritz turned a bottom-tier Big 12 team into a group that can hang with—and beat—the SEC’s best.
Conner Weigman, the transfer QB who took the reins, was the hero of that final game. He threw for 236 yards and found Tanner Koziol for the opening strike. It was a statement. But the real drama today isn't about what happened at NRG Stadium in December; it's about who is staying and who is going.
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Today is January 18. The transfer portal window just "closed" on the 16th for new entries, which means the coaching staff is currently in a high-stakes game of roster Tetris. You’ve got names like Cam Cook, the nation’s leading rusher from Jacksonville State, visiting campus. If Fritz lands him to replace the departing Dean Connors, the 2026 "score" is already looking like a win.
Why the Texas Bowl Win Still Matters Right Now
You might wonder why we're still talking about a game from three weeks ago. It’s because momentum is the only currency in college football during the off-season.
- Recruiting Edge: High school kids and portal transfers saw Houston take down LSU. That matters.
- Big 12 Standing: Houston is no longer the "new kid" in the conference. They are a legitimate contender.
- Draft Stock: Players like Marcus Jones are killing it in the NFL (did you see his pick-six for the Patriots today?), and that helps Fritz tell recruits, "You can get to the league from here."
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule is Already Stressing People Out
Even though there’s no u of h football score today, the 2026 schedule is starting to take shape, and it’s a gauntlet. We already know the season opener is set for September 5, 2026, against Oregon State at TDECU Stadium.
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Honestly, the Big 12 is becoming a shark tank. Houston has to travel to some of the toughest environments in the country this coming fall. We're talking trips to Utah, West Virginia, and Texas Tech. If you’ve ever been to Lubbock or Morgantown, you know those aren’t exactly "warm welcome" vibes for a visiting team.
The program is also dealing with some internal shifts. J'Marion Burnette, the sophomore back who had a 39-yard TD in the season opener against SFA, entered the portal recently. It’s a blow, sure. But that’s why the staff is hunting for guys like Makhi Hughes from Tulane.
Actionable Steps for Coog Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game today, here is what you should actually be doing to stay ahead of the curve:
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- Monitor the Signing Tracker: Keep an eye on the official "Transfer Portal Signing Central." The university usually updates this in real-time as financial aid agreements are signed. This is where the 2026 season is actually being won.
- Check the NFL Divisional Round: If you need a football fix, watch the former Coogs. Marcus Jones and the Patriots just knocked off the Texans (sorry, Houston fans) to move to the AFC Championship. Watching "Coogs in the NFL" is the best way to handle the off-season blues.
- Secure Your Season Tickets: With a 10-win season in the books, TDECU is going to be packed in September. Don't wait until August to realize the Oregon State game is sold out.
- Follow Willie Fritz on Socials: The man doesn't tweet much, but when a "Go Coogs!" or a cryptic emoji drops, it usually means a four-star recruit just committed.
The 2025 season was a hell of a ride. From the overtime thriller in Corvallis to the shootout against West Virginia, this team showed grit. While there’s no u of h football score today, the foundation being built right now in the film rooms and recruiting offices is arguably more important than any single Saturday in January. Stay tuned, because the 2026 version of this team is shaping up to be even faster and potentially more dangerous.
Expert Insight: The "score" for Houston football in January isn't measured in touchdowns; it's measured in retained talent. Losing a star like Dean Connors to the NFL is expected, but the ability of the staff to keep the defensive core together during this portal window will determine if 2025 was a fluke or the new standard.