Oklahoma State at Houston: Keys to the Game and Scouting Report
Saturday, October 17, 6:30 p.m. Central, TDECU Stadium, Houston, FOX. Line: Houston minus 3.5, total 58.5.
10 Keys for Oklahoma State to Win
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Throw to set up the run. Houston entered the Kansas State game eighth nationally against the run and 123rd against the pass. Do not run into a loaded box out of stubbornness. Use the passing game to back the safeties off, and let the run game come from that. Hunt explosives early. Only three FBS teams had allowed more passes of 20 yards or longer. Take a shot to Wyatt Young or Justin Bowick in the first two series, before the crowd settles in and before Houston settles its coverage. Win on the outside with Bowick. A 6 foot 5 receiver against a 6 foot 1 corner is a four inch edge. Back shoulder throws, fades in the red zone, and crossers over the middle where his trust with Mestemaker is strongest. Protect the football, again. Mestemaker played his first turnover free game against UCF. Houston's defense has dropped a lot of interceptions this year. Do not give it a chance to finally hold on to one. Let Mestemaker run the offense at the line. Morris let him check most of the run pass options in the second half against UCF. Against a defense built to stop the run, the quarterback reading the conflict defender is the cleanest way to get Caleb Hawkins good looks. Win first down on defense. Houston is a possession team that lives in second and short. Create second and long, and Houston becomes much more ordinary. Set the edge and contain Conner Weigman. UCF exposed the edges early with its quarterback run game. Weigman ran for three second half touchdowns against UCF. Rush lanes, rush lanes, rush lanes. Know where Patrick Overmyer is on every snap. He caught all four touchdowns at Kansas State. In two tight end sets and in the red zone, he is the first read. Linebackers and safeties have to carry him up the seam. Clean up third down and the penalties. No busted assignments on third down and no free pass interference yards. Against a ball control offense, every extra set of downs is three more minutes off the clock. Steal one possession on special teams. Both kickers are perfect, so field position is where the edge is. One big return from Chris Barnes or Miles Coleman, or a heads up play like Bobby Deal Jr.'s bouncing punt return against UCF, can swing a game projected to be decided by three points. [/ol]
10 Keys for Houston to Win
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Run the football and control the clock. Houston held the ball nearly 35 minutes and ran it 43 times for 233 yards at Kansas State. Keep Mestemaker on the sideline. Stay ahead of the chains. Houston was third nationally in first downs per game entering last week. Second and short is where this offense is at its best and where OSU's defense struggled against UCF. Make Oklahoma State one dimensional. Shut down Hawkins early with Brandon Mack II and Khalil Laufau, and force Mestemaker to throw on obvious passing downs. Take away the deep ball. This is the weakness. Keep a safety over the top of Wyatt Young and do not let Bowick win one on one shots down the field. Make OSU drive the field. Hold on to the interceptions. Austin Armstrong counted at least nine dropped interceptions this season. One or two takeaways could decide this game. Attack the OSU edges with Weigman. Use the quarterback run game, especially near the goal line, against a defense that had trouble setting the edge early against UCF. Feed Overmyer in the red zone. Two tight end sets put OSU's linebackers in conflict between the run and coverage. Make them choose. Protect Weigman. Houston's offensive line had allowed only five sacks through five games. Keep him clean against OSU's rotation of pass rushers and he will be efficient. Use the crowd early. A prime time top 25 game at home. Start fast, the way Houston did on its opening drive at Kansas State, and make a young road team play from behind. Win on fourth down. Houston went 3 for 3 on fourth down at Kansas State. Eric Morris will be aggressive on fourth down as well. The team that wins those two or three snaps likely wins the game. [/ol]
Scouting Report: Oklahoma State Offense How Houston's staff would see it
Scheme summary: Air Raid principles run at tempo, with Eric Morris calling plays. Heavy use of motion, run pass options and quarterback checks at the line. The run game shifted to inside zone against UCF when the outside zone was not working. Short yardage wrinkles include a heavy package with defensive lineman Malik Charles at tight end. Second nationally in total offense entering the UCF game.
QB 17 Drew Mestemaker (6 foot 3, 215, RSo.) Led FBS in passing yards at North Texas in 2025 under Morris. 1,575 yards and 13 touchdowns through five games. Year three in this system with Morris, and it shows in his checks at the line and his recognition of leverage. Was responsible for seven turnovers in the first four games, then played a clean game against UCF. Dangerous runner when the pocket breaks down, scored the game winner against Oregon on a diving 10 yard run. Plan: Disguise coverage late. He beats pre snap reads. Make him hold the ball and throw into contested windows. Rush lanes matter, because he will take off.
RB 24 Caleb Hawkins (6 foot 0, 219, So.) Downhill workhorse who carried 31 times for 180 yards at West Virginia. Held to 83 yards on 23 carries against UCF and lost a fumble on the opening drive. Reliable receiver out of the backfield. Plan: Win the line of scrimmage, gang tackle and attack the football. Account for him in the screen game.
RB 25 Ayo Adeyi (5 foot 7, 194, RSr.) and RB 6 Tre Page III (5 foot 8, 184, RSo.) Change of pace backs. Adeyi had a 16 yard run against UCF.
WR 0 Justin Bowick (6 foot 5, 209, RSr.) The matchup problem. Nine catches for 178 yards against Murray State, six for 98 and a touchdown against UCF, including a one handed catch. Mestemaker's most trusted target over the middle on crossers. Plan: Do not leave a shorter corner alone with him in the red zone. Bracket him on third down.
WR 10 Wyatt Young (6 foot 0, 199, Jr.) Big play threat. Eight catches for 192 yards at West Virginia with three catches of 48 yards or more. Leads the team in receiving yards. Was on the availability report the week of UCF but played and scored. Plan: Keep a safety over the top. He is the deep shot they will take early.
WR 1 Miles Coleman (5 foot 6, 158, Jr.) Quick slot receiver who is dangerous after the catch. Four catches for 69 yards against UCF. Also a primary returner. Plan: Do not press and miss. Locate and rally in space.
WR 3 Terrence Lewis (5 foot 11, 170, So.) and WR 2 Chris Barnes (5 foot 7, 169, RSo.) Morris considers both starters. Lewis caught the tying touchdown and two point conversion at West Virginia.
TE 44 Carson Kolb (6 foot 4, 235) and TE 45 Morgan McPhaul (6 foot 2, 265) Primarily blockers. McPhaul scored a 1 yard touchdown out of a diamond formation against UCF, the only tight end touch of the game. Watch for the heavy package with Malik Charles.
Offensive line LT 70 Shaun Torgeson (6 foot 4, 302, RSo.), started at Portland State, has held the left tackle job since Jacob Sexton was lost for the season. LG 76 Desmond Magiya (6 foot 4, 333, RJr.) started against UCF in place of 54 Johnny Dickson III (6 foot 2, 317, RSr.), who was available but did not play. C 56 Tyler Mercer (6 foot 4, 300, RSo.). RT 77 Ashton Lepo (6 foot 7, 320, RSr.) is the most experienced lineman. Braydon Nelson, the North Texas transfer at tackle, played one possession against UCF and did not return. Allowed one sack and one hurry against UCF. Plan: Test the left side with Brandon Mack II. Use games and twists to stress communication in a loud building.
Scouting Report: Oklahoma State Defense How Houston's staff would see it
Scheme summary: First year coordinator Skyler Cassity, whose Sam Houston defense ranked in the top ten nationally in 2024. Downhill and aggressive, willing to bring delayed blitzes. Heavy line rotation, with about a dozen linemen playing meaningful snaps. Allowed about 100 fewer yards per game than last season through four games and was excellent on third down before UCF converted 7 of 16 third downs and 4 of 5 fourth downs. Struggled early against UCF's quarterback run game before adjusting at halftime.
DE 95 Jaleel Johnson (6 foot 4, 270, RSr.) Fifth year veteran and the most disruptive player on this defense. Made the fourth and 7 sack that turned the Oregon game. Plan: Account for him on every passing down. Chip with a tight end or back.
Rush End 10 James Williams (6 foot 5, 256, RSr.) Power conference transfer with 8.5 career sacks entering the season. Long, speed to power rusher. Plan: Do not leave a tight end alone on him.
Rush End 19 DJ Jackson Jr. (6 foot 4, 243, Sr.) and 87 DeSean Brown (6 foot 2, 266, RSr.) Rotational speed off the edge. Jackson had four pressures on seven rushes against Murray State. Brown's pressure forced a punt against UCF.
Interior line NT 92 Jerry Lawson (6 foot 1, 312, Sr.), NT 5 Saadiq Clements (6 foot 4, 310, RJr.), NT 98 Luke Webb (6 foot 3, 311, RSo.), DT 99 Iman Oates (6 foot 3, 315, RSr.), DT 94 Braylon Rigsby (6 foot 3, 283, RJr.), DT 45 Enai White (6 foot 5, 300, RSr.). Wave after wave of fresh bodies. Webb stuffed a fourth and 1 against UCF and Rigsby batted down a key pass. Held UCF to 2.7 yards a carry. Plan: Wear them down with tempo and volume in the run game. Use double teams to climb to the linebackers.
Linebackers SAM 32 Ethan Wesloski (6 foot 1, 234, RSr.): 16 tackles at West Virginia, 17 against UCF. The tackling machine. MIKE 3 Tate Romney (6 foot 1, 223, RSr.): 14 tackles against UCF, blew up a double reverse for a 10 yard loss, but missed a tackle on a UCF touchdown. WILL 2 Isaiah Chisom (6 foot 0, 234, RJr.): nine tackles against UCF. Instinctive, experienced group that diagnosed things UCF had not shown on tape. Plan: Put them in conflict. Use two tight end sets and play action to make them choose between Hughes and Overmyer.
Secondary FS 18 Mose Phillips III (6 foot 2, 196, Sr.) left the UCF game with a shoulder issue that Morris said would be fine. FS 1 Evan Jackson (5 foot 11, 188, Sr.) replaced him and had the scoop and score that sealed UCF. SS 7 Quinton Hammonds (6 foot 1, 206, Jr.). Nickel 6 Christian Bodnar (6 foot 0, 188, RJr.) is active near the line of scrimmage. CB 9 LaDainian Fields (6 foot 1, 176, RSo.) has been solid all season. CB 13 Trudell Berry (6 foot 1, 196, RSr.) and CB 4 Mo Horn (5 foot 11, 183, RSr.) rotate. Horn and 8 Kollin Lewis were each flagged for pass interference against UCF, and the group missed early tackles. Plan: Test Horn and Lewis with Koby Young down the field. Use Overmyer against the safety rotation.
Scouting Report: Houston Offense How Oklahoma State's staff would see it
Scheme summary: Offensive coordinator Slade Nagle, second season. A balanced, physical offense built on the run game and two tight end sets, with a veteran quarterback who gets the ball out quickly. Ranked 19th nationally in yards per game entering the Kansas State game. Third nationally in first downs per game. Went 7 of 14 on third down and 3 of 3 on fourth down at Kansas State without a turnover. Had trouble finishing drives early against UCF, stopped inside the 10 on three straight drives.
QB 1 Conner Weigman (fifth year senior, Texas A&M transfer) Second and final year at Houston. Completed 67.4 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and one interception through five games, then threw four touchdowns at Kansas State. Willie Fritz praised his quick release, velocity, and running ability that people underrate. Ran for three second half touchdowns against UCF while sick. Dangerous near the goal line. Threw for 306 yards against OSU last season. Plan: Contain rush, keep him in the pocket, and make him throw into tight coverage on third and long. Do not let broken plays become scrambles.
RB 21 Makhi Hughes (6 foot 0, 210, Sr., Oregon transfer) Projected starter entering the season. Seventeen carries for 98 yards against Oregon State and 78 yards and a touchdown at Kansas State. Patient runner who can reverse field. Plan: Gap discipline and pursuit angles.
RB 6 Re'Shaun Sanford II (5 foot 9, 190, Jr.) Led the team in rushing through five games. Ran for 120 yards at Georgia Southern and 90 at Kansas State. Quicker, shiftier change of pace. Plan: Do not let him bounce it outside. Set the edge.
WR Amare Thomas First team All Big 12 a year ago. Eight catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in the opener. Weigman's primary outside receiver. Plan: Give Fields the assignment and play with leverage.
WR Koby Young Deep threat averaging 22 yards a catch with four touchdowns through five games. Made a 36 yard contested over the shoulder catch on the opening drive at Kansas State. Plan: Stay on top. This is the explosive play to take away.
WR Trent Walker (Oregon State transfer) Secondary target in the rotation.
TE 9 Patrick Overmyer (6 foot 5, 240, Sr., UTSA transfer) The focal point. Caught all four touchdown passes at Kansas State, tying an FBS record for a tight end, on eight catches for 83 yards. Also caught the late touchdown at Texas Tech. A natural red zone target with a big catch radius. Plan: Identify him in two tight end sets. Match him with a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top in the red zone. Do not let him run free up the seam on play action.
TE Luke McGary, Kaleb Thomas and Traville Frederick Jr. McGary is primarily a blocker. Fritz said that when Houston goes to two tight ends it usually runs, but it can throw just as easily.
Offensive line LG 56 Shadre Hurst (6 foot 2, 304, Sr., Tulane transfer) is the leader of the unit and was one of the top linemen in the portal. Through five games the line had allowed only five sacks for 11 total yards, and it paved the way for 233 rushing yards at Kansas State. Plan: Rotate fresh linemen to wear them down late. Win with stunts and twists rather than straight speed. Note: The other four starters need to be confirmed from Houston's official two deep. Portal additions such as Hayden Wright (Northwestern), Drew Terrill (Miami of Ohio) and Anthony Boswell (Toledo) appear on projected depth charts.
Scouting Report: Houston Defense How Oklahoma State's staff would see it
Scheme summary: Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, second season. Played a 3 3 5 base in 2025 and is listed as a four man front with a JACK hybrid this season, so expect multiple fronts. Elite against the run, eighth nationally entering the Kansas State game at 65 yards per game and 2.6 yards a carry. Vulnerable in coverage, 123rd in passing yards allowed with one of the highest totals of 20 yard passes allowed. Had 10 sacks through five games. Armstrong has acknowledged inconsistent pressure and at least nine dropped interceptions. Held Kansas State to 299 yards and 182 passing yards.
JACK 4 Brandon Mack II (Sr.) Veteran edge rusher who led returning players with five sacks in 2025. Combines with Laufau for 9.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks through five games. Plan: Know where he is. Chip him with a back or tight end and get the ball out on time.
DT 18 Khalil Laufau (Sr.) Disruptive interior player who closed 2025 strong with his best game in the bowl win over LSU. Key to the run defense. Plan: Double team at the point of attack and climb to the linebackers.
DL Ashton Porter (Oregon transfer), DL De'Marion Thomas (Oklahoma State transfer), DT Travis Buhake, JACK Latreveon McCutchin Rotation pieces. Thomas is a former Cowboy who will be motivated.
Linebackers Sione Fotu is the veteran in the middle, about 225 pounds and reliable. Carmycah Glass brings more size at about 240. Jaden Yates, a top run defender, was injured before the Kansas State game and his status needs to be confirmed. Plan: Use run pass options and tempo to put them in conflict, and test them in coverage against Hawkins and the slot receivers.
Secondary S 6 Jordan Allen led the Big 12 with six pass breakups through five games and led the team with one interception through that span. FS 8 Kentrell Webb leads the team in tackles and is an effective open field tackler. CB Jalen Mayo, a Stephen F. Austin transfer listed at 6 foot 1, 184 pounds. DB Javion White, a Tulane transfer, led the team with 2.5 sacks through five games, so watch for him as a blitzer. Plan: Find Allen and work away from him. Isolate Bowick on Mayo. Use motion to identify coverage and attack the deep third with Young.
Saturday, October 17, 6:30 p.m. Central, TDECU Stadium, Houston, FOX. Line: Houston minus 3.5, total 58.5.
10 Keys for Oklahoma State to Win
[ol]
10 Keys for Houston to Win
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Scouting Report: Oklahoma State Offense How Houston's staff would see it
Scheme summary: Air Raid principles run at tempo, with Eric Morris calling plays. Heavy use of motion, run pass options and quarterback checks at the line. The run game shifted to inside zone against UCF when the outside zone was not working. Short yardage wrinkles include a heavy package with defensive lineman Malik Charles at tight end. Second nationally in total offense entering the UCF game.
QB 17 Drew Mestemaker (6 foot 3, 215, RSo.) Led FBS in passing yards at North Texas in 2025 under Morris. 1,575 yards and 13 touchdowns through five games. Year three in this system with Morris, and it shows in his checks at the line and his recognition of leverage. Was responsible for seven turnovers in the first four games, then played a clean game against UCF. Dangerous runner when the pocket breaks down, scored the game winner against Oregon on a diving 10 yard run. Plan: Disguise coverage late. He beats pre snap reads. Make him hold the ball and throw into contested windows. Rush lanes matter, because he will take off.
RB 24 Caleb Hawkins (6 foot 0, 219, So.) Downhill workhorse who carried 31 times for 180 yards at West Virginia. Held to 83 yards on 23 carries against UCF and lost a fumble on the opening drive. Reliable receiver out of the backfield. Plan: Win the line of scrimmage, gang tackle and attack the football. Account for him in the screen game.
RB 25 Ayo Adeyi (5 foot 7, 194, RSr.) and RB 6 Tre Page III (5 foot 8, 184, RSo.) Change of pace backs. Adeyi had a 16 yard run against UCF.
WR 0 Justin Bowick (6 foot 5, 209, RSr.) The matchup problem. Nine catches for 178 yards against Murray State, six for 98 and a touchdown against UCF, including a one handed catch. Mestemaker's most trusted target over the middle on crossers. Plan: Do not leave a shorter corner alone with him in the red zone. Bracket him on third down.
WR 10 Wyatt Young (6 foot 0, 199, Jr.) Big play threat. Eight catches for 192 yards at West Virginia with three catches of 48 yards or more. Leads the team in receiving yards. Was on the availability report the week of UCF but played and scored. Plan: Keep a safety over the top. He is the deep shot they will take early.
WR 1 Miles Coleman (5 foot 6, 158, Jr.) Quick slot receiver who is dangerous after the catch. Four catches for 69 yards against UCF. Also a primary returner. Plan: Do not press and miss. Locate and rally in space.
WR 3 Terrence Lewis (5 foot 11, 170, So.) and WR 2 Chris Barnes (5 foot 7, 169, RSo.) Morris considers both starters. Lewis caught the tying touchdown and two point conversion at West Virginia.
TE 44 Carson Kolb (6 foot 4, 235) and TE 45 Morgan McPhaul (6 foot 2, 265) Primarily blockers. McPhaul scored a 1 yard touchdown out of a diamond formation against UCF, the only tight end touch of the game. Watch for the heavy package with Malik Charles.
Offensive line LT 70 Shaun Torgeson (6 foot 4, 302, RSo.), started at Portland State, has held the left tackle job since Jacob Sexton was lost for the season. LG 76 Desmond Magiya (6 foot 4, 333, RJr.) started against UCF in place of 54 Johnny Dickson III (6 foot 2, 317, RSr.), who was available but did not play. C 56 Tyler Mercer (6 foot 4, 300, RSo.). RT 77 Ashton Lepo (6 foot 7, 320, RSr.) is the most experienced lineman. Braydon Nelson, the North Texas transfer at tackle, played one possession against UCF and did not return. Allowed one sack and one hurry against UCF. Plan: Test the left side with Brandon Mack II. Use games and twists to stress communication in a loud building.
Scouting Report: Oklahoma State Defense How Houston's staff would see it
Scheme summary: First year coordinator Skyler Cassity, whose Sam Houston defense ranked in the top ten nationally in 2024. Downhill and aggressive, willing to bring delayed blitzes. Heavy line rotation, with about a dozen linemen playing meaningful snaps. Allowed about 100 fewer yards per game than last season through four games and was excellent on third down before UCF converted 7 of 16 third downs and 4 of 5 fourth downs. Struggled early against UCF's quarterback run game before adjusting at halftime.
DE 95 Jaleel Johnson (6 foot 4, 270, RSr.) Fifth year veteran and the most disruptive player on this defense. Made the fourth and 7 sack that turned the Oregon game. Plan: Account for him on every passing down. Chip with a tight end or back.
Rush End 10 James Williams (6 foot 5, 256, RSr.) Power conference transfer with 8.5 career sacks entering the season. Long, speed to power rusher. Plan: Do not leave a tight end alone on him.
Rush End 19 DJ Jackson Jr. (6 foot 4, 243, Sr.) and 87 DeSean Brown (6 foot 2, 266, RSr.) Rotational speed off the edge. Jackson had four pressures on seven rushes against Murray State. Brown's pressure forced a punt against UCF.
Interior line NT 92 Jerry Lawson (6 foot 1, 312, Sr.), NT 5 Saadiq Clements (6 foot 4, 310, RJr.), NT 98 Luke Webb (6 foot 3, 311, RSo.), DT 99 Iman Oates (6 foot 3, 315, RSr.), DT 94 Braylon Rigsby (6 foot 3, 283, RJr.), DT 45 Enai White (6 foot 5, 300, RSr.). Wave after wave of fresh bodies. Webb stuffed a fourth and 1 against UCF and Rigsby batted down a key pass. Held UCF to 2.7 yards a carry. Plan: Wear them down with tempo and volume in the run game. Use double teams to climb to the linebackers.
Linebackers SAM 32 Ethan Wesloski (6 foot 1, 234, RSr.): 16 tackles at West Virginia, 17 against UCF. The tackling machine. MIKE 3 Tate Romney (6 foot 1, 223, RSr.): 14 tackles against UCF, blew up a double reverse for a 10 yard loss, but missed a tackle on a UCF touchdown. WILL 2 Isaiah Chisom (6 foot 0, 234, RJr.): nine tackles against UCF. Instinctive, experienced group that diagnosed things UCF had not shown on tape. Plan: Put them in conflict. Use two tight end sets and play action to make them choose between Hughes and Overmyer.
Secondary FS 18 Mose Phillips III (6 foot 2, 196, Sr.) left the UCF game with a shoulder issue that Morris said would be fine. FS 1 Evan Jackson (5 foot 11, 188, Sr.) replaced him and had the scoop and score that sealed UCF. SS 7 Quinton Hammonds (6 foot 1, 206, Jr.). Nickel 6 Christian Bodnar (6 foot 0, 188, RJr.) is active near the line of scrimmage. CB 9 LaDainian Fields (6 foot 1, 176, RSo.) has been solid all season. CB 13 Trudell Berry (6 foot 1, 196, RSr.) and CB 4 Mo Horn (5 foot 11, 183, RSr.) rotate. Horn and 8 Kollin Lewis were each flagged for pass interference against UCF, and the group missed early tackles. Plan: Test Horn and Lewis with Koby Young down the field. Use Overmyer against the safety rotation.
Scouting Report: Houston Offense How Oklahoma State's staff would see it
Scheme summary: Offensive coordinator Slade Nagle, second season. A balanced, physical offense built on the run game and two tight end sets, with a veteran quarterback who gets the ball out quickly. Ranked 19th nationally in yards per game entering the Kansas State game. Third nationally in first downs per game. Went 7 of 14 on third down and 3 of 3 on fourth down at Kansas State without a turnover. Had trouble finishing drives early against UCF, stopped inside the 10 on three straight drives.
QB 1 Conner Weigman (fifth year senior, Texas A&M transfer) Second and final year at Houston. Completed 67.4 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and one interception through five games, then threw four touchdowns at Kansas State. Willie Fritz praised his quick release, velocity, and running ability that people underrate. Ran for three second half touchdowns against UCF while sick. Dangerous near the goal line. Threw for 306 yards against OSU last season. Plan: Contain rush, keep him in the pocket, and make him throw into tight coverage on third and long. Do not let broken plays become scrambles.
RB 21 Makhi Hughes (6 foot 0, 210, Sr., Oregon transfer) Projected starter entering the season. Seventeen carries for 98 yards against Oregon State and 78 yards and a touchdown at Kansas State. Patient runner who can reverse field. Plan: Gap discipline and pursuit angles.
RB 6 Re'Shaun Sanford II (5 foot 9, 190, Jr.) Led the team in rushing through five games. Ran for 120 yards at Georgia Southern and 90 at Kansas State. Quicker, shiftier change of pace. Plan: Do not let him bounce it outside. Set the edge.
WR Amare Thomas First team All Big 12 a year ago. Eight catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in the opener. Weigman's primary outside receiver. Plan: Give Fields the assignment and play with leverage.
WR Koby Young Deep threat averaging 22 yards a catch with four touchdowns through five games. Made a 36 yard contested over the shoulder catch on the opening drive at Kansas State. Plan: Stay on top. This is the explosive play to take away.
WR Trent Walker (Oregon State transfer) Secondary target in the rotation.
TE 9 Patrick Overmyer (6 foot 5, 240, Sr., UTSA transfer) The focal point. Caught all four touchdown passes at Kansas State, tying an FBS record for a tight end, on eight catches for 83 yards. Also caught the late touchdown at Texas Tech. A natural red zone target with a big catch radius. Plan: Identify him in two tight end sets. Match him with a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top in the red zone. Do not let him run free up the seam on play action.
TE Luke McGary, Kaleb Thomas and Traville Frederick Jr. McGary is primarily a blocker. Fritz said that when Houston goes to two tight ends it usually runs, but it can throw just as easily.
Offensive line LG 56 Shadre Hurst (6 foot 2, 304, Sr., Tulane transfer) is the leader of the unit and was one of the top linemen in the portal. Through five games the line had allowed only five sacks for 11 total yards, and it paved the way for 233 rushing yards at Kansas State. Plan: Rotate fresh linemen to wear them down late. Win with stunts and twists rather than straight speed. Note: The other four starters need to be confirmed from Houston's official two deep. Portal additions such as Hayden Wright (Northwestern), Drew Terrill (Miami of Ohio) and Anthony Boswell (Toledo) appear on projected depth charts.
Scouting Report: Houston Defense How Oklahoma State's staff would see it
Scheme summary: Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, second season. Played a 3 3 5 base in 2025 and is listed as a four man front with a JACK hybrid this season, so expect multiple fronts. Elite against the run, eighth nationally entering the Kansas State game at 65 yards per game and 2.6 yards a carry. Vulnerable in coverage, 123rd in passing yards allowed with one of the highest totals of 20 yard passes allowed. Had 10 sacks through five games. Armstrong has acknowledged inconsistent pressure and at least nine dropped interceptions. Held Kansas State to 299 yards and 182 passing yards.
JACK 4 Brandon Mack II (Sr.) Veteran edge rusher who led returning players with five sacks in 2025. Combines with Laufau for 9.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks through five games. Plan: Know where he is. Chip him with a back or tight end and get the ball out on time.
DT 18 Khalil Laufau (Sr.) Disruptive interior player who closed 2025 strong with his best game in the bowl win over LSU. Key to the run defense. Plan: Double team at the point of attack and climb to the linebackers.
DL Ashton Porter (Oregon transfer), DL De'Marion Thomas (Oklahoma State transfer), DT Travis Buhake, JACK Latreveon McCutchin Rotation pieces. Thomas is a former Cowboy who will be motivated.
Linebackers Sione Fotu is the veteran in the middle, about 225 pounds and reliable. Carmycah Glass brings more size at about 240. Jaden Yates, a top run defender, was injured before the Kansas State game and his status needs to be confirmed. Plan: Use run pass options and tempo to put them in conflict, and test them in coverage against Hawkins and the slot receivers.
Secondary S 6 Jordan Allen led the Big 12 with six pass breakups through five games and led the team with one interception through that span. FS 8 Kentrell Webb leads the team in tackles and is an effective open field tackler. CB Jalen Mayo, a Stephen F. Austin transfer listed at 6 foot 1, 184 pounds. DB Javion White, a Tulane transfer, led the team with 2.5 sacks through five games, so watch for him as a blitzer. Plan: Find Allen and work away from him. Isolate Bowick on Mayo. Use motion to identify coverage and attack the deep third with Young.