3. Houston (5-0)
In what looks like it could be another standout season, Houston is just getting started. Kelvin Sampson’s program has taken control of the Big 12 with a pair of conference titles since joining the league in 2023 and certainly look the part of a top team once again. It’s been an acceptably impressive start to the campaign, including decent enough work as the Cougars were tested for the first time this past week.
That major test came all the way back on Sunday, as Houston went to Birmingham and left town with a 73-72 win over a ranked Auburn squad. Avenging a loss from last season, freshman Kingston Flemings had 22 points and 7 assists while Chris Cenac Jr. added 18 points and 9 rebounds. There was far less drama Thursday night, with the Cougars coming away with a 91-45 blowout win over Rider. Flemings again led the charge with 18 points while defensive stud Joseph Tugler stood out with 12 points, 9 assists, and 4 blocks.
The freshmen in this starting lineup have played a very high level in the first few weeks of the season, helping cover up for what’s been a slow start for a few other pieces, notably returning star Milos Uzan. At some point he’ll figure things out and have one of those legendary games, which Houston hopes comes very soon. The team heads to the Players Era Festival next week, with a notable matchup against Tennessee in just a few days.