Houston unexpectedly fell into a major rebuild under head coach Dana Holgorsen after a starting quarterback redshirted and entered the transfer portal. Don’t worry, though. There’s plenty of reason for optimism.
The Cougars rank among the national leaders in returning production. Running back Mulbah Car, receiver Marquez Stevenson and quarterback Clayton Tune are all back, along with 93 percent of the defense. In a second year under well-regarded tactician Joe Cauthen, a rise is to be expected. The schedule makes projecting that growth much harder.