Game Overview
The Houston Cougars secured their first win of the 2026 season, defeating the visiting Oregon State Beavers 33-20 in front of 28,742 fans at TDECU Stadium on Saturday, September 5. The victory moves Houston to 1-0, while Oregon State falls to 0-1.
Houston quarterback Conner Weigman orchestrated the offense with precision, completing 20 of 30 passes for 305 yards and one touchdown. His connection with wide receiver Amare Thomas was particularly potent; Thomas hauled in eight receptions for 133 yards and a score. Running back Makhi Hughes also provided significant ground game support, carrying the ball 17 times for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson matched Weigman in yardage output, throwing for 376 yards on 29-of-48 passing with one touchdown. Wide receiver Jesse Legree was the primary target, catching five passes for 136 yards and a score. The Beavers’ rushing attack was limited, with Kourdey Glass leading the way with six carries for 25 yards.
First Half Scoring
Houston established an early foothold despite a rocky start. Amare Thomas caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Weigman in the first period, but the Cougars failed to convert the extra point, taking a 6-0 lead. Oregon State responded immediately with Braden Atkinson’s three-yard rushing touchdown and Caleb Ojeda’s kick, tying the game at 7-6.
The Cougars regained control before halftime through their kicking game and running attack. Jonathan Dimas drilled a 42-yard field goal to put Houston ahead 9-7. In the second period, Re’Shaun Sanford II broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 16-7. Dimas added another field goal, this one from 32 yards out, pushing the margin to 19-7 at the break.