Houston Cougars eye a 10-win season as the new football schedule drops—can they capitalize on a favorable slate and rising talent? Parker Ainsworth breaks down key matchups against Oregon State, Texas Tech, and UCF while spotlighting the impact of an elite recruiting class featuring Keisean Henderson and returning stars like Conner Weigman and Amare Thomas.

The analysis explores October and November’s pivotal stretches, weighing challenges from powerhouse programs like Oklahoma State, Utah, Colorado, and West Virginia. With strategic portal additions and high expectations following last season’s 10-3 finish, the pressure is on Kurtis Fritz and the Cougars to deliver. How will Houston’s upgraded roster navigate potential roadblocks and cement their place as Big 12 contenders? Don’t miss this comprehensive look at the Cougars’ path to another breakout year.

0:00 – Houston Football Schedule
12:40 – October vs. November
19:40 – Must Win 10 Games?

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Houston Cougars and others face a crossroads as the NCAA considers allowing Charles Bediako to return to Alabama after NBA draft attempts. Should Houston chase similar returning players, or stick to building through elite high school talent and transfer targets? Parker Ainsworth argues for the latter, breaking down why embracing the Bediako trend could hurt college basketball’s competitive balance.

Recruiting heats up with five-star wing Caleb Holt’s decision looming—will Houston secure this top prospect, or turn to the transfer portal to bridge future roster gaps? Key topics include Houston’s 2026 recruiting class, prospects like Ikenna Alozie and Arafan Diane, and the squad’s pivotal showdown against Texas Tech, with major Big 12 title implications. Can Houston start to separate from the pack and claim conference dominance? Don’t miss expert analysis on the Cougars’ strategy for sustainable success.

0:00 – Bediako NCAA Return
9:54 – Caleb Holt Recruiting
20:15 – Houston vs Texas Tech Preview

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Sampson vs. Hurley: Coogs Hold Court at the Fertitta Center!

Houston Cougars blitz Arizona State Sun Devils with a relentless offensive surge, raising the question: Can anyone in the Big 12 stop Kelvin Sampson's squad? Parker Ainsworth breaks down the Cougars’ dominant 103-73 victory, spotlighting breakout performances from Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac, and Milos Uzan. Chris Cenac’s early three-point barrage and Kingston Flemings’ explosive 20-point, 8-assist night set the tone, while JoJo Tugler and Isaiah Harwell add crucial contributions on both ends.

Key discussions include Houston's balanced attack, defensive adjustments against Arizona State’s defense, and the strategic evolution of the Cougars’ offense with all five starters as scoring threats. The podcast also previews the looming Big 12 battle against Texas Tech—last year’s lone conference loss for the Cougars—and evaluates the squad’s readiness for the brutal upcoming schedule. Will this hot start propel Houston to the top of the conference, or are greater challenges on the horizon?

0:00 – Houston's Hot Start
9:00 – Shooting Regression & Turnovers
14:10 – Fan/Listener Q&A
19:15 – Big 12 Schedule Preview
23:00 – Bench Depth & Rotation
25:45 – Defensive Connectivity & Nightcaps
27:35 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

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Houston Cougars eye a flawless record as they prepare to battle a dangerous Arizona State squad—but can their elite defense and dynamic frontcourt maintain dominance against ASU’s sharpshooters and imposing bigs? Parker Ainsworth spotlights the pivotal matchups, from Massamba Diop’s paint presence to the guard trio of Anthony Johnson, Mo Odum, and the returning Bryce Ford, with a sharp look at how Emanuel Sharp and Houston’s athletic length could tilt the contest.

Off the court, attention turns to the Cougars’ storied legacy as Dwight Davis receives a long-awaited jersey retirement. Parker Ainsworth explores Davis’s impact, the significance of jersey honors, and debates which current or recent Houston stars could be next to join the rafters. Don’t miss this action-packed breakdown of Houston’s Big 12 ambitions, the evolving culture, and the celebrations shaping Cougar basketball history.

0:00 — Houston vs. Arizona State
10:50 — Houston Advantages Breakdown
20:35 — Jersey Retirement & Legacy

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Houston Cougars land Ashton Porter, the versatile edge from Oregon—can this transfer class propel them into Big 12 contention? Ashton Porter returns home, bringing size, flexibility, and proven production from the Ducks’ rotation. Parker Ainsworth assesses Porter’s positional fit, projecting him as a starting-caliber four-technique alongside key transfers like Da'Marion Thomas and returning standout Khalil Laufau. Recent moves raise the Cougars’ transfer class into the national top six, sparking optimism for immediate defensive impact.

Spencer McLaughlin weighs in, comparing Porter’s skill set to Atlanta Falcons’ Brandon Dorlis and noting his strengths against the run and untapped potential rushing the passer. With rumors swirling about additional defensive backs and linebackers, Houston’s aggressive portal strategy signals more changes ahead. Will Porter and the new wave of transfers reshape the Cougars’ defensive identity and help the team chase a bowl berth?

0:00 – Ashton Porter Transfer
1:30 – Oregon Insight on Porter
3:05 – Porter’s Fit at Houston

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Big 12 football teams retool through the transfer portal—are Houston and Oklahoma State now national contenders? Portal action heats up as BYU retains nearly all of its top talent, while Utah faces painful losses to Michigan. Can West Virginia’s major upgrades and key pickups spark a resurgence? Jake Hatch, Drake Toll, and local Locked On experts debate tampering controversies, NIL-driven recruiting, and which schools are winning the portal arms race.

Basketball battles intensify with Houston, BYU, and West Virginia eyeing breakout seasons. Is AJ Dybantsa elevating BYU to new heights? Find out why Utah’s struggles might continue and which up-and-coming squads could topple Big 12 giants. The hosts break down postseason paths, top-10 NBA prospects, and surprise teams that could shock college hoops. Can Utah’s Alex Jensen turn things around, or will West Virginia’s Honor Huff outshoot Steph Curry?

0:00 – Big 12 Transfer Portal Overview
1:40 – Houston’s Portal Success
2:28 – West Virginia’s Offensive Overhaul
4:16 – Utah Staff Departures & Fallout
6:06 – Tampering & Do Not Contact Tag
7:48 – BYU Player Retention Strategy
11:16 – Utah’s Portal Replacements
12:58 – Utah Losing Top Talent
13:31 – NIL & Retention Challenges
15:23 – Oklahoma State’s Transfer Strategy
18:57 – Transition to Hoops Talk
19:21 – Houston Basketball Dominance
21:10 – BYU’s Rising Trio
22:44 – West Virginia Basketball Surpassing Expectations
25:24 – Utah Hoops Struggles
27:25 – Final Thoughts, Big 12 Football Ranking

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NCAA shakes up college football with major redshirt rule changes— Boogie Johnson could return to Houston Cougars. Will a legal challenge open the door for more eligibility? Houston’s recruiting momentum accelerates as Parker Ainsworth spotlights portal prospects like Terrance Green and Ashton Porter, dissecting the Cougars’ strategic additions at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and cornerback.

Key topics include the end of the transfer portal "dead period," Houston’s surge to a top-six national portal class, and the impact of NCAA reforms on basketball’s transfer window. Parker Ainsworth shares insider insight on Houston’s roster needs, potential pro departures, and why the Cougars’ culture continues to attract top talent. Can Houston leverage new rules and recruiting wins to power up for the Big 12 and beyond? Don’t miss this comprehensive breakdown of roster shakeups and the evolving college sports landscape.

0:00 NCAA Redshirt Expansion
1:53 Boogie Johnson Eligibility
6:25 Boogie’s College Career
9:43 Transfer Portal Dead Period
12:27 Houston Transfer Targets
16:17 Ashton Porter Watch
18:18 Linebacker Depth
20:09 Portal Fast Pace
20:38 Basketball Portal Window
22:16 Coaching Change Transfer Window
23:42 Roster Needs & High School Class
25:52 Houston Portal Timing Advantages
27:16 April Basketball Portal Watch
27:45 Locked On Cougs Community

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Houston Cougars dominate West Virginia 77-48 as Chris Cenac and Jojo Tugler control the paint and Milos Uzan heats up from beyond the arc. Is Kelvin Sampson building an unstoppable force in the Big 12? Parker Ainsworth spotlights unstoppable defensive sequences, West Virginia’s struggles in the lane, and how Houston’s big men outrebounded the Mountaineers 38-29.

Sampson celebrates his 400th game as head coach with yet another signature win, pushing his record to 315-85. Key discussions include Milos Suzanne and Emanuel Sharp’s outside shooting, game-changing runs led by Kingston Flemings, and the strategic shutdown of offensive threat Honor Huff. Can the Cougars maintain this level of excellence as they eye Arizona State and future Big 12 foes? Get all the insights and a look ahead to Houston’s path in conference play.

0:00 – Houston vs West Virginia recap
1:15 – Defensive dominance
3:09 – Big men performance
5:41 – Milos Uzan’s shooting
7:10 – Three-point impact
8:39 – Offensive spacing/weave action
9:16 – Key second half stretches
12:03 – Kill shot sequences
13:50 – Freshmen impact
15:00 – Defensive schemes on Honor Huff
17:28 – Sampson’s 400th game
18:26 – Program success stats
21:01 – Big 12 dominance
22:24 – Reflection on Sampson era
22:55 – Outro/transportal teaser

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Gametime
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Wayfair
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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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