The Houston Cougars have a long-standing tradition of excellence in college athletics, highlighted by the success of Houston Cougars football and the competitive achievements of basketball Houston Cougars teams. Known for producing top athletes and memorable seasons, the University of Houston continues to be a powerhouse in NCAA sports with passionate fans and a proud history.
College Sports Established
1927
Location
Houston, Texas
College Name
University of Houston
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1927 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2013 - Present / American Athletic Conference
1996 - 2013 / Conference USA
1971 - 1996 / Southwest Conference
1960 - 1971 - Independent
1951 - 1960 / Missouri Valley Conference
1949 - 1950 / Gulf Coast Conference
1945 - 1949 / Lone Star Conference
Nickname
Cougars - The Houston Cougars are one of history's most successful NCAA Division I college football teams. With over 50 conference championships and two national titles, they have solidified their place as a powerhouse in college football. But where did the nickname “Cougars” come from?
Houston Cougars Origin
It all started with a newspaper article written by Bill McCurdy, who was then the sports editor for The Daily Cougar student newspaper at the University of Houston (UH). In 1947 he wrote an editorial suggesting that UH adopt a new mascot to replace its existing one—the Rainbow Warriors—which had been used since 1927 when UH first became known as "Houston College." He proposed they choose a more fitting to represent such an esteemed university: cougars.
McCurdy argued that cougars were powerful animals and represented strength, courage, and leadership, traits associated with any team representing an institution like UH. His suggestion caught on quickly among both students and faculty alike, leading to it being officially adopted later that year during Homecoming festivities at UH's first game against Baylor University Bears on September 27th, 1947 – making them one of only four significant colleges or universities nationwide whose athletic teams use this name!
Since then, The Houston Cougars have become synonymous with success both on and off the field, winning numerous conference championships throughout their storied history while also producing some outstanding alumni, including NFL Hall Of Fame quarterback Warren Moon & NBA All-Star Clyde Drexler, to name a few! They continue today wearing their iconic red & white uniforms proudly emblazoned with “COUGARS” across the chest - honoring Bill McCurdy's original vision back nearly 70 years ago!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1946
- 1950
- 1967
- 1983
- 1989
- 1996
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first varsity intercollegiate football team is formed at the University of Houston
In 1946: The first varsity intercollegiate football team is formed at the University of Houston. The school adopts the nickname “Cougars” and the colors scarlet and white. -
The baseball team is established and plays its first game
In 1950: The baseball team is established and plays its first game against Texas A&M, losing 8-0. -
The basketball team plays in the “Game of the Century”
In 1967: The basketball team plays in the “Game of the Century” against UCLA at the Astrodome, winning 71-69 in front of a record crowd of 52,693. The game is the first nationally televised regular season college basketball game. -
Houston Cougars – Clyde Drexler
Drexler and Young, along with Larry Micheaux and new recruit Hakeem Olajuwon (known then as Akeem Olajuwon), comprised the “Phi Slama Jama” basketball fraternity that gained national attention for its acrobatic, above-the-rim play. New players were “initiated” into the fraternity by having to stand underneath the basket as Drexler drove in from halfcourt and threw down a tomahawk slam over ... -
Andre Ware – Cougars Run and Shoot Expert
Ware grew up in the Galveston, Texas region, hoping to play football at the University of Texas. He said “I was going to Texas. All they had to do was lie to me and tell me I was going to play quarterback once I got there. Thank goodness they told me the truth [that] they were going to move me ... -
Alvin Brooks becomes the head coach of the basketball team
In 1996: The basketball team plays in its second NCAA tournament game since 1984, losing to Temple 61-66 in the first round. Alvin Brooks becomes the head coach of the basketball team.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Houston Cougars History
The Houston Cougars have built one of the richest traditions in NCAA athletics, competing fiercely against teams like the Central Florida Knights. Since their start as an independent program in 1946, the Houston Cougars football program has grown into a national contender. They became famous for winning three straight Southwest Conference championships from 1976 to 1978 under legendary head coach Bill Yeoman, producing some of the greatest players in college football history.
During the modern era, the Houston Cougars football team has continued to impress. Under head coaches Tony Levine (2012–2014) and Tom Herman (2015–2016), Houston captured two American Athletic Conference titles. They also earned four bowl appearances, including back-to-back New Year’s Six Bowl games against Florida State and Pittsburgh. Herman’s final season featured a 13–1 record with marquee wins over Oklahoma and Louisville, cementing the Cougars as AAC Champions that year.
Many outstanding athletes have worn the red and white of the Houston Cougars. Among them are Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware (1987–1989), defensive stars Ed Oliver Jr. and Wilson Whitley, and wide receivers like Andre Johnson and Donnie Avery. Other standouts include linebackers Brian Cushing and Darryl Sharpton, cornerbacks Aaron Glenn and Brandon Harris, and safeties Earl Thomas III and Adrian McDonald. These players helped define “Cougar Football” and inspired generations of fans.
Over the decades, the program has been shaped by 17 different head coaches. Coach Jack Pardee guided the Houston Cougars football team to back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1969 and 1970, earning National Coach of the Year honors twice. Since joining FBS competition in 1975, Houston has collected 14 bowl appearances, eight Southwest Conference championships, four divisional titles, three AAC championships, and, beginning in 2023, entry into the Big 12 Conference — a new chapter for the program’s legacy.
Cougars Achievements
The Cougars’ excellence extends beyond football. The basketball Houston Cougars program is one of the most celebrated in the country, producing legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Elvin Hayes. Under head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars have returned to national prominence with multiple NCAA Tournament runs, including Final Four appearances and conference titles.
Today, the Houston Cougars, the Houston Cougars football program, and the basketball Houston Cougars team remain symbols of pride for the University of Houston and its fans nationwide. With a history of championships, iconic players, and passionate supporters, Cougar Nation continues to build on a proud tradition that spans decades and defines excellence in college sports.
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