Houston coach Kelvin Sampson and three returning players will represent the Cougars at Big 12 Media Days in Kansas City as the program looks ahead to the 2026-27 season. The team is coming off a 30-win campaign and will pair its returning veterans with nine newcomers.

By the Numbers
  • Houston went 30-7 in 2025-26, tying the Division I record with its fifth consecutive 30-win season.
  • The Cougars return four lettermen and welcome nine newcomers.
  • Houston has 17 home games scheduled: 8 nonconference and 9 Big 12 games.
State of Play
  • Senior forward Joseph Tugler, junior guard Mercy Miller and sophomore forward Chase McCarty will join Sampson at Wednesday’s media event.
  • Houston’s exhibition against defending national champion Michigan is Sunday at noon CT in Grand Rapids.
What’s Next

Houston opens the regular season against La Salle on Nov. 2 at Fertitta Center. The game will be the teams’ first meeting since the 1975-76 season.

Bottom Line

The Cougars enter the season with proven experience, a strong recent track record and a sizable newcomer class—setting up the Michigan exhibition as an early look at how the roster is taking shape.