Houston Basketball's Quest for an Eighth Straight NCAA Tournament Bid and a Big 12 Three-Peat
Houston Cougars are dominating the college basketball scene, and it's no surprise. Since joining the Big 12, they've been on a winning streak under the leadership of Kelvin Sampson.
The Cougars' Dominance in the Big 12
In their first two seasons in the Big 12, Houston has proven their mettle, claiming the league title each time. Their debut campaign was a testament to their prowess, with a 32-5 overall record and 15-3 conference play, securing the outright championship. Last season, they continued their winning tradition, capturing both the regular season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA championship game as a top seed.
The 2025-26 Season Goals
As the Cougars step into the 2025-26 season, their sights are set on two major achievements: a third consecutive Big 12 championship and an eighth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. This consistent success and championship-level performance have become a hallmark of Houston basketball.
A Culture of Winning and Consistency
Since 2018, Houston has secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament every year, except for the canceled 2020 season. Their tournament success is even more remarkable, having won at least one game in every appearance and multiple games in six straight tournaments. Over this period, the Cougars have amassed 17 NCAA Tournament victories, including six consecutive Sweet 16s, three Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Fours.
Under Sampson's leadership, Houston has a stellar record of 299-84 heading into his 13th season. The team's consistency is evident with ten straight 20-win seasons, showcasing their ability to maintain championship-level expectations.
The 2025-26 Roster and Schedule
The 2025-26 roster is a testament to the team's depth and talent, ready to tackle the challenges of a demanding Big 12 schedule. Houston's season begins on November 3 at the Fertitta Center against Lehigh, followed by a crucial test against Auburn in Birmingham on November 16. Their non-conference slate includes strong opponents like Syracuse, Tennessee, Florida State, and Arkansas, providing a solid preparation for the Big 12 play.
The Cougars will start their conference schedule on January 3 against Cincinnati, a fitting beginning for a team expected to be among the nation's best. With a mix of experience, defense, and discipline, Houston is poised to extend their tournament streak and make a strong run at the national title, which they narrowly missed last season.
