The 2026 Houston football schedule opens at home against Oregon State on September 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET. The 2026 Houston Cougars football schedule features 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big 12 Championship appearance, with early ranked road tests against Texas Tech and Utah.
TDECU Stadium hosts five home dates on the 2026 Houston football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in mid-to-late October with a road trip to ranked Utah sandwiched between home games against Oklahoma State and Cincinnati.
2026 Houston Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Oregon State BeaversTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | 12:00pm ETESPN/Disney+ | ||
| Saturday | Southern JaguarsTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | 7:00pm ETESPN+ | ||
| Friday | at 12 Texas Tech Red RaidersGalaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX | 8:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | at Georgia Southern EaglesPaulson Stadium, Statesboro, GA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | UCF KnightsTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Kansas State WildcatsBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Oklahoma State CowboysTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 21 Utah UtesRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Cincinnati BearcatsTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | at Colorado BuffaloesFolsom Field, Boulder, CO | 10:15pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | at West Virginia MountaineersMountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Baylor BearsTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | vs Big 12 ChampionshipAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 8:00pm ETABC |
How the 2026 Houston Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with two home games and an early ranked road test on the 2026 Houston Cougars football schedule. Oregon State and Southern at TDECU Stadium, a Friday night trip to #12 Texas Tech on FOX, and a road game at Georgia Southern. That early stretch mixes manageable home dates with a tough ranked road contest.
October brings UCF at home, a road trip to Kansas State, Oklahoma State at home, and a road game at #21 Utah. The Utah trip is the clearest mid-season ranked measuring stick.
November features Cincinnati at home, a Friday night road trip to Colorado on ESPN, a road game at West Virginia, and Baylor at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big 12 Championship appearance.
Home Games at TDECU Stadium
Five home dates appear on the 2026 Houston football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Oregon State
- September 12 vs. Southern
- October 3 vs. UCF
- October 17 vs. Oklahoma State
- November 7 vs. Cincinnati
- November 28 vs. Baylor
The Oklahoma State and Cincinnati games will generate the strongest crowds in Houston.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Houston football schedule.
The September 18 road game at #12 Texas Tech is an early Big 12 measuring stick. The October 24 trip to #21 Utah is a key ranked test. The November 13 road game at Colorado on ESPN will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Cougars stay in control of their path toward a possible December 4 Big 12 Championship appearance in Arlington.
Where to Watch Cougars Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the Houston TV schedule 2026:
- ESPN/Disney+ (Sept. 5 vs. Oregon State)
- ESPN+ (Sept. 12 vs. Southern)
- FOX (Sept. 18 at Texas Tech)
- ESPN (Nov. 13 at Colorado)
- ABC (Dec. 4 Big 12 Championship)
Most remaining Big 12 games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Oregon State, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/Disney+
- Sept. 18 — At #12 Texas Tech, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
- Oct. 24 — At #21 Utah
- Nov. 13 — At Colorado, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Dec. 4 — Potential Big 12 Championship in Arlington, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Houston football schedule opens with two home games and builds toward ranked road tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Houston open the 2026 season?
Houston opens the 2026 season at home against Oregon State on Saturday, September 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN/Disney+.
How many home games do the Houston Cougars have in 2026?
The Cougars have five home games at TDECU Stadium on the 2026 Houston football schedule: Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and Baylor.
Who do the Houston Cougars play on September 18?
On September 18 the Cougars travel to Galaxy Stadium to face #12 Texas Tech at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
What channel are Houston games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+, FOX, ESPN, and ABC. Most Big 12 games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
