Unlike the other three schools joining the Big 12 next summer, Houston’s basketball team may generate more publicity than their football program. Although this is highly unusual, especially in Texas, Houston’s consistency in dominating the American and making a deep run into the NCAA tournament each season has lifted the program into the national spotlight. However, the Big 12 would not have extended an invitation to elevate its basketball conference alone. The Cougars also bring a top 25 football team which will immediately be competitive in the Big 12.
While analysts predicted the Cougar’s basketball team to contend for an AAC championship and make it to March last season, only fans of the program could have foreseen their success. Going 15 and 3 in the American, 16 and 1 at home, and making the elite eight is no easy task, even for a national power. However, fans of the Cougars have come to expect their success, as advancing in March has become second nature to the Houston faithful. Even bluebloods of the sport such as Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina have up and down years, but Houston’s consistency remains a staple of the program. For example, just one season before the Cougars made it to the final four, they lost to their future Big 12 rival, Baylor.
Although it did take a few years for Houston to rise to prominence under head coach Kelvin Sampson, they ultimately did so because of recruiting. While Houston primarily recruits in-state, the jewel of the Cougar’s 2022 class is Jarace Walker, a five-star from Bradenton, Florida. Houston also has an intriguing class in 2023 as they currently hold the 9th best class in the country according to 247sports.
While the future looks bright for Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars basketball program, Houston’s football has also been successful as of late. Led by head coach Dana Holgorsen, the Cougars dominated the American going 8 and 0, eventually losing in the championship to Cincinnati, another incoming Big 12 team. Although the loss was not easy to swallow for Holgorsen and his players, Houston accepted an invitation to play against SEC opponent Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl and beat the tigers 17 to 13.
The Houston football program has also had several players taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Ed Oliver, a defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, was selected 9th overall in the 2019 draft. As of late, Peyton Turner and Logan Hall were lat first-round selections in 2021 and 2022.
With Houston’s Basketball program thriving and the football team ascending every year, it was a no-brainer for the Big 12 to extend an invitation. Undoubtedly, play on the court, and the field will be more competitive, allowing the Big 12 to televise a better product. On the flip side, Houston now gets to join a power five, or maybe even a power four conference in the future. Geographically, it also makes sense with TCU, Baylor, and Texas Tech nearby. Ultimately, Houston makes the Big 12 more competitive, and the competition will only help West Virginia on the field, on the court, and with recruiting.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Discover more from Blue Gold Sports
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
