Houston Cougars are shaking up National Signing Day with a series of high-profile flips and historic commitments, led by the nation's No. 1 recruit Keisean Henderson. Can Houston’s momentum transform Willie Fritz’s squad into a College Football Playoff contender?

Parker Ainsworth breaks down Houston’s dynamic recruiting moves, including Noah Abebe’s flip from Tulane and four-star prospects like John Hebert and Paris Melvin. The discussion tackles College Football Playoff rankings, questionable committee decisions, and what a top-40 class means for Houston’s Big 12 trajectory. Potential defensive standouts, upcoming flips, and unique old-school recruiting bonds add intrigue to Houston’s evolving program. The episode explores roster versatility, future quarterback battles, and how a new wave of talent could redefine the Cougars’ place in the national spotlight.

0:00 – National Signing Day, Houston flips
1:54 – Noah Abebe commits, flipping from Tulane
3:18 – Other potential flips
6:22 – Isaiah McMillian/Kentucky commitment status
8:20 – Why flips matter for Houston
10:08 – College Football Playoff rankings reaction
13:41 – Houston at #21, season recap
14:49 – CFP ranking system criticisms
18:19 – BYU ranking/committee analysis
22:18 – Implications for Houston’s future
23:44 – Historic 2026 signing class
25:22 – Class compared to past Houston recruiting
27:30 – Old school vs. new school recruiting culture
28:25 – Other top signees
29:43 – Building a legacy with local talent

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Kalani Sitake’s rumored move from BYU to Penn State could reshape the Big 12 power dynamics—will Houston Cougars capitalize on the coaching shake-up? Parker Ainsworth explores the high-stakes coaching carousel, analyzing how Sitake’s departure threatens BYU’s program, boosts Houston’s standing, and exposes vulnerabilities across a competitive conference.

Key talking points include Willie Fritz’s swift rise as one of the Big 12’s premier coaches, Houston’s recruiting momentum, and the pressure mounting on rivals like Baylor and Texas Tech. Is the Big 12’s playoff positioning jeopardized by lackluster advocacy and shifting rosters? With recruiting battles intensifying and major NIL offers in play, the episode questions whether Houston is poised for a renaissance, and why Big 12 leadership must address its playoff push before more top talent searches for greener pastures.

0:00 – Sitake Penn State Rumors
2:00 – Impact on BYU Program
6:00 – Big 12 Coach Salaries
9:05 – BYU Culture vs. Coach Retention
10:30 – Fritz’s Rise in Big 12
13:15 – Coaching Landscape Big 12
16:00 – Houston Recruiting Momentum
18:05 – Other Big 12 Teams’ Issues
20:42 – Big 12 Playoff Reputation
24:10 – Strength of Schedule Debate
28:00 – Future for Houston & Conference
30:15 – Fixing Big 12 Advocacy

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Houston Cougars outlast Baylor 31-24 behind Connor Wigman's 247-yard offensive explosion—can Willie Fritz's squad sustain their Big 12 momentum? Parker Ainsworth spotlights Amare Thomas's NFL-caliber heroics in winning time, Tanner Koziol's breakthrough as a top tight end, and the defense's impact plays from Sione Fotu and Jordan Allen. The culture shift is palpable as the Cougars shake off past late-game stumbles to lock up a nine-win season, undefeated on the road.

Key topics include the implications of Houston's 9-3 finish, the surprising struggles at home, and the raised expectations for next year with a stellar recruiting class incoming. Bowl projections heat up—will Houston land the Texas Bowl, Alamo Bowl, or Pop-Tarts Bowl against a marquee SEC or ACC opponent? Parker Ainsworth explores crucial transfer portal dynamics, high-stakes potential matchups, and the program's next steps. Can Houston convert success into long-term prominence?

0:00 – Houston Beats Baylor
2:13 – Key Players Performances
5:42 – Defensive Standouts
7:21 – Offensive Highlights
12:07 – 9-3 Season Recap
14:57 – Home vs. Road Record
16:48 – Fan & Culture Impact
18:56 – Next Year Expectations
22:37 – Bowl Game Scenarios
24:00 – Texas Bowl Possibility
26:41 – Texas/SEC Matchup Odds
31:04 – Potential ACC Opponents

Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!

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Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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