The start of Houston Cougars football has finally arrived. Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. has been marked on calendars for months leading up to this point, and it's now here. Houston will kick off the 2026 season against the Oregon State Beavers at TDECU Stadium on ESPN. There has been a lot of excitement for Houston this year, given all the experience on the roster and continuity among the coaching staff. A successful transfer portal helped the Cougars fill up some holes on the roster; the current team looks quite balanced. This is the most anticipated Houston season in some time, and the Cougars will get their first opportunity in 2026 against the Beavers on national TV. Coogs vs BeaversSep 26, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) throws a pass under pressure from Oregon State Beavers linebacker Aiden Sullivan (2) during the first quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHouston just faced Oregon State last season and somehow won 27-24 in overtime on the road in Corvallis, Ore. The Cougars did not play well in this one, but escaped with a victory after coming back from down 14 points in the fourth quarter. This will be the fifth game in series history, and the Cougars currently lead it 3-1. Houston will be looking to avoid a repeat of last year, and that is very possible given how different the two teams are now. A key storyline for this matchup is senior transfer wide receiver Trent Walker taking on his former team. The two teams kick off in Week 1 at 11 a.m. We will be right here with live game updates as the action unfolds.1st2nd3rd4thTotalOregon State706720Houston9107733Follow along for live game updates as the game progresses.First QuarterOregon State picks up one first down, but go backwards as junior defensive back Javion White comes off the edge for a sack. Change of PossessionHouston started at its own 15-yard line thanks to a holding call but went methodically down the field for an opening drive touchdown. Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas went 31 yards for a receiving touchdown from senior quarterback Conner Weigman as he broke a tackle after a seven-yard catch. It was a 10-play drive that featured three first downs. Redshirt sophomore kicker Jonathan Dimas missed the extra point due to a bad hold. Houston 6, Oregon St. 0The Cougars have a blown coverage as Beavers quarterback Braden Atkinson found a 71-yard completion to Jesse Legree. Atkinson then ran three yards for a touchdown on third-and-goal. Houston 6, Oregon St. 7The Cougars start their new drive at the 40-yard line thanks to a kickoff out of bounds. Weigman launches a deep pass to redshirt sophomore receiver Koby Young for 47 yards. Houston's drive stalls as Weigman was sacked and his helmet came off. Backup true freshman Keisean Henderson came in for a play. Ultimately, Houston had to settle for a 42-yard field goal from Dimas, and the operation was clean this time. Houston 9, Oregon St. 7The Beavers pick up one first down, but got stopped on fourth-and-one at the Houston 48-yard line thanks to a stop on the quarterback sneak. Change of PossessionSecond QuarterAfter one first down, senior running back Makhi Hughes fumbles. That gave the ball right back to Oregon State at their own 32-yard line. Change of PossessionThe Beavers weren't able to do much as a penalty moved them back after one first down. Walker receives the fair catch on the punt at the Houston 13-yard line.Change of PossessionThe Cougars pick up multiple first downs, but stall at their own 38-yard line. Change of PossessionThe Beavers go three-and-out and Walker fair catches the 57-yard punt at the Cougars' 30-yard line. Change of PossessionHouston goes behind the running game and redshirt junior running back Re'Shaun Sanford II breaks out for 56-yard house call. It's a four-play, 70-yard touchdown drive in just under two minutes. Houston 16, Oregon St. 7The Beavers picked up three first downs, but the Cougars' defense stopped them at the Houston 32-yard-line. Oregon State kicker Caleb Ojeda's 47-yard field goal was no good. Change of PossessionHouston took over at its own 29-yard line and Weigman scrambled for a 21-yard gain to midfield. The Cougars pick up a couple more first downs, including a fourth-down conversion. Ultimately, Houston had to settle for a 32-yard field goal for Dimas. Houston 19, Oregon St. 7The Beavers looked to possibly be in business for a late score before the half at the Houston 40-yard line, but senior JACK Latreveon McCutchin sacked Atkinson. HALFAfter a lightning delay of about 30 minutes, the game has resumed. Houston received to start the second half and both teams exchanged punts on their first drive of the second half. The Cougars then went right down the field in the rain for a touchdown on the second drive of the second half. Senior running back Makhi Hughes punched it in for a one-yard score. The Cougars primarily ran the ball on the drive. Houston 26, Oregon St. 7The Beavers had a big play waiting in the passing game, but Atkinson missed the pass. Regardless, Oregon State made their way down the field on a 14-play, 89-yard drive that resulted in a seven-yard touchdown pass to LeGree. The two-point conversion was no good. Houston 26, Oregon St. 13Fourth QuarterThe Cougars seemed to have a promising drive going all the way down to the Oregon State 18-yard line but Weigman was intercepted on a tipped pass intended for Thomas. Change of PossessionOregon State took full advantage of this turnover with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on a four-yard rush from AJ Newberry. Houston 26, Oregon St. 20The Cougars desperately needed an answer given it was suddenly a one possession game. Houston delivered on a nine-play, 75-yard drive. The key play was on third-and-six when Thomas made an incredible catch for 37 yards on a deep ball from Weigman. Weigman scored on a quarterback sneak with just over five minutes left. Houston 33, Oregon St. 20The Beavers weren't able to respond on their final two drives of the game. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow