The 2026 Houston Cougars football schedule features a 12-game Big 12 slate with six home games at TDECU Stadium and a challenging road schedule that includes trips to Texas Tech, Georgia Southern, Kansas State, Utah, Colorado, and West Virginia. Houston opens the year with back-to-back home non-conference games against Oregon State and Southern before heading into Big 12 play. The 2026 season kicks off on September 5 at home against Oregon State.
2026 Houston Cougars Football Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 5 | Oregon State | Home |
| 2 | Sep 12 | Southern | Home |
| 3 | Sep 19 | @ Texas Tech | Away |
| 4 | Sep 26 | @ Georgia Southern | Away |
| 5 | Oct 3 | UCF | Home |
| 6 | Oct 10 | @ Kansas State | Away |
| 7 | Oct 17 | Oklahoma State | Home |
| 8 | Oct 24 | @ Utah | Away |
| BYE | Oct 31 | BYE WEEK | — |
| 9 | Nov 7 | Cincinnati | Home |
| 10 | Nov 14 | @ Colorado | Away |
| 11 | Nov 21 | @ West Virginia | Away |
| 12 | Nov 28 | Baylor | Home |
Houston’s 2026 home schedule is headlined by UCF (Oct. 3), Oklahoma State (Oct. 17), Cincinnati (Nov. 7), and Baylor (Nov. 28), with the season finale against the Bears at TDECU Stadium closing out the regular season. A bye week on October 31 gives the Cougars a critical rest before a demanding three-game road stretch to close November.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Houston play Baylor in 2026?
Houston hosts Baylor at TDECU Stadium on November 28, 2026 in the Cougars regular season finale. The game carries Big 12 standings implications depending on both teams records heading into the final week.
Who does Houston play in non-conference games in 2026?
Houston’s 2026 non-conference schedule includes home games against Oregon State (September 5) and Southern (September 12), plus a road game at Georgia Southern (September 26). The three-game non-conference slate gives the Cougars preparation before nine Big 12 games.
Where do the Houston Cougars play home games in 2026?
Houston plays home games at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. Opened in 2014, the stadium seats approximately 40,000 fans and is located on the University of Houston campus. Since joining the Big 12 in 2023, the Cougars have used TDECU Stadium as a launching pad for competing against college football’s elite programs.
