The Houston Cougars took some steps in the right direction under Willie Fritz in 2024, putting together a four-win campaign after a total overhaul of the roster and coaching staff last offseason.
UH was competitive in most of their games, too, thanks to a defense that finished second in the league in yards allowed per game (324.8) and seventh in points per game (22.9).
Where the problems really piled up was on the offensive side of the football. The Cougars ranked dead last in the Big 12 in both scoring offense (14.0 ppg) and total offense (288.1 ypg), as well as last in passing yards per game (152.7 ypg) and third down conversion rate (27.9%).
Among many issues was a glaring inconsistency at quarterback, as both Donovan Smith and Zeon Chriss struggled to create positive momentum when the Coogs had the ball.
Fritz and company are looking to put those days behind them, though, and according to Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong, they might be set to do just that.
According to On3’s top two recruiting experts, Houston is currently projected to land former Texas A&M starting quarterback Conner Weigman.
Weigman, a former five-star prospect from the Class of 2022, is one of the most sought-after players currently available at his position. On3 has him listed as the No. 28 player in the transfer portal and the sixth-ranked quarterback available.
If the Cougars are able to close the deal and get Weigman aboard for 2025, it could change the trajectory of their program’s near future.
Weigman has struggled to stay healthy throughout the first three seasons of his collegiate career, and his most recent year was his worst, completing just 56.1% of his attempts for a career-low 819 yards, three touchdowns, and a career-high five interceptions.
However, a wider look at his career statistics provides a better reason for why UH fans should be excited about the addition. Over three seasons, Weigman has completed 60.0% of his attempts for 2,694 yards and 19 touchdowns to seven interceptions – and two of those seasons came under Jimbo Fisher.
Perhaps with a change of scenery and a new philosophy, Weigman can reach the immense potential that made him a five-star prospect coming out of high school. If that’s the case, Houston getting him at this point in his career is a home run for Fritz and the Cougars.
