The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 8 Houston.
2025-26 record: 30-7
Outlook for 2026-27: The Cougars are vying for a seventh consecutive trip to the Sweet 16 and hopefully a little more, even if the last two teams presented perhaps the best chances at the program’s first national title.
What we like: It’s no secret Houston lost a ton, but there are worse players to build around than Joseph “JoJo” Tugler, the heart and soul of the defense. Dedan Thomas Jr. is a dynamic score-and-pass point guard widely considered a great fit for coach Kelvin Sampson’s system.
Trouble ahead: The Cougs will miss their top four scorers, Kingston Flemings, Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan and Chris Cenac Jr. And will this team be deep enough for the rigors of Big 12 play?
Top newcomer: The answer is Thomas, a transfer from LSU (and previously UNLV) who dropped 25 points and seven assists on Michigan in an exhibition. But Delrecco Gillespie, who averaged 17.7 points and 11.3 rebounds at Kent State in 2025-26, has the chance to be equally impactful in the frontcourt.