UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COUGARS EMBRACE NEW CHALLENGE IN THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE

Houston, TX - The University of Houston Cougars have achieved a long-awaited goal as they join the Big 12 Conference for the upcoming football season. The Cougars' entry into the Big 12 marks a significant milestone, signaling their return to big-time college football and placing them among the ranks of powerhouse programs. While the preseason Big 12 Poll predicts the Cougars to finish 12th in the conference, Head Coach Dana Holgorsen and his team are undeterred and ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

Speaking at the Big 12 Media Day in Arlington, Coach Holgorsen, who has extensive experience in the conference, expressed his familiarity with the competitive nature of Big 12 football. He highlighted the absence of any "layups" in the league, emphasizing the parity and high level of competition among its teams. Despite being picked 12th in the preseason poll, Holgorsen remains optimistic and excited about the opportunity for the Cougars to test themselves against top-tier programs.

The move to the Big 12 not only offers increased competition but also reunites the Cougars with familiar foes from their Southwest Conference days. Matchups against TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Texas will reignite historic rivalries and add an extra level of excitement to Houston's schedule. Texas Tech is predicted to finish fourth in the Big 12, while TCU and Baylor are slated for fifth and sixth place, respectively.

The Big 12 itself is undergoing changes, with the imminent departure of the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma after the 2023-24 academic year. The conference has also welcomed new members, including Brigham Young University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Central Florida. These changes signify an evolution for the conference, and Houston is eager to be a part of this new era.

For the Cougars, their entry into the Big 12 fulfills a long-held dream. After floating in and out of mid-major conferences since the breakup of the old Southwest Conference in the late 1990s, Houston is now poised to make its mark on the national stage once again. The move not only signifies a step up in competition but also brings a renewed sense of excitement and opportunity for the program.

While the preseason poll may have set modest expectations for Houston, the Cougars are focused on proving themselves on the field. Coach Holgorsen and his team are determined to make the most of their new conference membership and showcase their abilities against top-caliber opponents. As they embark on their inaugural Big 12 season, the Cougars are ready to embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and leave their mark on the conference for years to come.