Houston Cougars Aim High: #2 Ranking in USA TODAY Coaches Poll

The University of Houston Men’s Basketball program is making waves this season, securing an impressive #2 spot in the recent USA TODAY Sports Coaches preseason poll released on Wednesday. This achievement underscores the Cougars’ growing prominence in the college basketball landscape, as they stand just behind Purdue, which garnered 18 first-place votes and a total of 755 points.

A Historic Moment in Team Rankings

Houston’s ranking marks only the second time in the program’s storied history that they have reached #2 in the AP preseason poll. The previous instance was during the 1967-68 season, when the Cougars also ranked high and maintained their place among the nation’s top two teams throughout the year. The current season marks a significant achievement as the Cougars continue to build on their legacy in college basketball.

A Streak of Excellence

As part of this remarkable journey, the Cougars have now been ranked in the AP poll for an astonishing 107 consecutive weeks, the longest active streak in the nation. Since January 20, 2020, Houston has firmly entrenched itself in the national rankings, showcasing consistent performance and resilience. Notably, they have appeared in at least one national poll for the last nine seasons, officially tying the school record set between 1966 and 1975.

Last season, the Cougars began at #4 in both national polls and concluded the year at #2 after an exhilarating run to the NCAA Tournament National Championship Game. This marked Houston’s fifth consecutive season finishing within the Top 10 in at least one national poll, illustrating their sustained excellence.

Upcoming Schedule: A New Season Begins

The Cougars are not resting on their laurels. They will open the 2025-26 season with an exhibition game against Mississippi State on Sunday, October 26, at the Fort Bend Epicenter in Rosenberg, Texas. Fans eager to witness the team in action can purchase tickets through official channels.

The regular season kicks off with a home game against Lehigh on Monday, November 3, at the Fertitta Center. This game will be especially memorable as the team unveils its 2024-25 NCAA Final Four banner. Furthermore, head coach Kelvin Sampson is on the verge of a milestone, aiming for his 800th career win.

Talented Roster and New Additions

Houston’s roster remains potent, with three starters and seven lettermen returning for the 2025-26 season. Key players include:

• Milos Uzan: An All-Big 12 Conference honoree and a member of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team.
• Emanuel Sharp: Not only the Most Outstanding Player of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship but also the NCAA Midwest Regional.
• Joseph Tugler: A finalist for the Naismith Awards National Defensive Player of the Year and Lefty Driesell Award recipient.

Moreover, the Cougars will benefit from one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. The incoming freshmen include notable talents such as Chris Cenac Jr., Isiah Harwell, Kingston Flemings, Bryce Jackson, and Kalifa Sakho. These new additions promise to elevate the team’s performance further.

Last Season’s Triumphs

The Cougars wrapped up the previous season with an impressive 35 wins, setting a single-season record for the program. Their journey to the NCAA Tournament National Championship showcased their skill and determination, culminating in a remarkable 31 wins out of their final 33 games. By sweeping both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships, they not only claimed the titles in their second year but also set a long-standing record with a 19-1 conference mark.

Moreover, the Cougars achieved a perfect 10-0 record in Big 12 road games, making them the first program in NCAA Division I history to accomplish this feat in a single season. As they enter the 2025-26 season, they carry the nation’s longest active road winning streak, with 14 consecutive victories.

Engage with the Cougars

The University of Houston encourages fans to support the men’s basketball program through various initiatives. Opportunities to provide NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) support are available, allowing fans to make a direct impact on the success of the team. Additionally, fans can join the 50-50 Club, which offers financial backing beyond the operating budget and includes perks like exclusive invitations and team apparel.

Stay Connected

For those wanting to stay updated on team news and activities, following the Cougars on social media is highly encouraged. Fans can connect on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram to receive timely information and interact with the program.

With such an incredible start to the season, excitement is palpable for Houston fans as they anticipate another thrilling year in college basketball. The Cougars are poised to make headlines, and their dedicated fanbase is eager to rally behind them.