The Big 12 is relatively even, but Houston has the chance to be the standout team with a ton of experience after years of building under Willie Fritz.
The Cougars crushed the transfer portal to get the parts around veteran quarterback Conner Weigman, and the defense should be outstanding, but now they all have to prove they’re worthy of the praise against an Oregon State team undergoing a rebuild under new head coach JaMarcus Shephard.
- These two played a whale of a game last year. Down 24-10, Houston scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes and won 27-24 in overtime.
- Oregon State is just 3-16 over its last 19 games. Two of the wins were over Washington State, and the other came against an FCS team.
- Oregon State has lost seven of its last ten season openers. Houston has won three of its last four.
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
TV: ESPN
Location: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
It’s been an interesting offseason. Just when it seemed like this would be Maalik Murphy’s offense to run, Mercer transfer Braden Atkinson took over the quarterback job.
The new staff brought in a strong group of receivers, with 12 coming in through the portal, the defense – and new coordinator Mike MacIntyre – didn’t lose a ton in the portal, and …
– Oregon State 2026 Preview
Oregon State’s lines are going to be an issue early on. Meanwhile, the Cougar lines are hardly an issue, but they’re the areas that need the most work. They’ll get it here.
The Beaver offensive line didn’t do much last year, and now it’s up to a whole new group of transfers to make the situation better. Defensively, Oregon State did a decent job of at least keeping things even when it came to the portal – except for the front line.
– Houston 2026 Preview
Can we get the fun thriller of last year again? Nah – Houston will take care of this earlier.
Oregon State will be competitive, and it’s not going to be as bad as the 2-10 version of last season, but Houston will be too sharp and explosive. It’ll be a 60-minute game, but the Cougars won’t have to deal with a ton of drama.
Houston 38, Oregon State 13
Latest Consensus Line: Houston -20.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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