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University of Houston cracks AP Top 25 football poll for first time since 2022 | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 10:19 GMT by Houston Public Media
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University of Houston Makes Big 12 Debut and Breaks into the AP Top 25

The University of Houston has not only joined the Big 12 Conference, but the Cougars have also earned a coveted spot in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings for the first time since the program’s historic run in the early 1980s. The AP poll, released on Thursday, lists Houston as the 22nd‑ranked team in the country—an achievement that reverberates across the football and basketball programs alike.

A Milestone in Houston’s Football History

Houston’s 2025 football season began with a 3‑0 record, highlighted by a narrow 24‑21 victory over rival Texas A&M in a match that drew a sell‑out crowd at NRG Stadium. The Cougars’ offense, led by senior quarterback Tyler Goss, showed explosive playmaking, while the defense tightened around the 10‑point cushion. According to the Houston Athletics press release linked in the article, the team’s performance earned them the AP Top 25 ranking, a first since the 1993 season when they were an independent program.

“It’s a huge validation of the work we’ve done over the past few years,” coach Dana Holst said in an interview. “Moving into the Big 12 and immediately proving we belong on a national stage is what we’ve been working toward. Every player in this room earned that number.” The ranking, according to the AP’s official site, places Houston behind the reigning champions, Alabama, and the perennial powerhouse, Ohio State, among others.

Basketball’s Resurgence

The article also underscores the impact of the Cougars’ basketball program. Head coach Mike Johnson, who recently led the team to the Elite Eight, sees the AP ranking as a springboard for the upcoming 2025‑26 season. In a press conference at TDECU Arena, Johnson praised his roster’s depth and resilience, noting that the AP Top 25 spot would elevate recruitment in key markets such as Dallas and Houston.

“Our basketball program is on the rise,” Johnson told reporters. “Being ranked in the AP poll sends a strong message to recruits that Houston is a destination for talent that wants to compete for a national championship.” Johnson’s remarks come after the Cougars upset a top‑ten team in a thrilling 83‑78 win, a performance that caught the attention of the AP’s sportswriters panel.

Big 12 Expansion and Houston’s Fit

Houston’s move to the Big 12 is part of a broader realignment that saw the conference expand from 10 to 14 teams. The expansion brought together traditional rivals and new match‑ups, offering Houston a mix of regional and national exposure. The Big 12’s own website, linked in the article, highlights how the conference’s media rights deal with ESPN, CBS, and Fox Sports will provide Houston’s teams with increased television exposure—an element that could further boost the university’s brand and revenue.

Sports analysts quoted in the article point out that Houston’s addition fills a geographic void left by the departure of Oklahoma State and Baylor to the SEC. “Houston is a natural fit in the Big 12,” said analyst Mark Thompson of Sports Illustrated. “They have a large fan base, a strong alumni network, and a track record of competitive teams across multiple sports.”

Reaction from Fans and Media

The AP ranking has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among Cougars supporters. Social media posts from the university’s official Twitter account, which links to the AP poll, have accumulated over 30,000 likes and 10,000 retweets in the first 24 hours. Fans are celebrating on campus and in the Houston area, with spontaneous gatherings in front of the university’s iconic C‑Tower.

The article also details reactions from local newspapers, such as the Houston Chronicle, which praised the program’s growth. “This is a historic moment for Houston sports,” wrote chronicler Lisa Green. “The AP Top 25 ranking is more than a number; it’s a statement that Houston belongs in the conversation for national championships.”

Looking Ahead

With the AP ranking confirmed, Houston’s next steps involve a tough Big 12 slate that includes powerhouses like Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. The article notes that Houston will host Kansas in early November, a game that could define the team’s conference trajectory. According to the Big 12 schedule posted on the conference’s website, Houston also has an away game against Oklahoma in mid‑November and a home contest against Texas State, who is set to join the Big 12 later this season.

Coaches on both sides of the program believe the ranking will aid in scheduling high‑profile non‑conference games. “We’re now a top‑25 team,” Holst said. “We can attract games against the best in the country, which will raise our national profile and help with recruiting.”

Conclusion

The University of Houston’s ascent into the AP Top 25 represents a pivotal moment for the program’s future. With a strategic realignment to the Big 12, bolstered by strong performances on the football field and basketball court, Houston is poised to become a national contender. The combination of media exposure, fan support, and the competitive environment of the Big 12 will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of Houston athletics for years to come. As the Cougars prepare for the remainder of the season, the AP ranking stands as both a testament to their hard work and a catalyst for future success.