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The No. 10 Houston Cougars will begin their 2026-27 season at the Fertitta Center on Monday, hosting the La Salle Explorers at 8 p.m. CST on CBS Sports Network.
Houston's starting lineup will look significantly different this year, featuring four new starters, including two transfers. Nonetheless, expectations remain high. The Cougars were picked second in the Big 12 preseason media poll and are ranked in the top 10 nationally.
The non-conference slate opens against La Salle, a program Houston hasn't faced since 1975. The Explorers struggled in the Atlantic 10 last season, but this is a real game, not an exhibition, and Houston will need to perform under the lights for the first time.
Roster Preview
This is a new group, but it's also an experienced one. Houston's backcourt will be intriguing with the new duo of returning junior scoring guard Mercy Miller and senior transfer point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who was named to the Bob Cousy Award Watchlist and is a preseason first-team All-Big 12 selection.
Up front, star forward Joseph Tugler is now playing power forward. Tugler is on the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year and Karl Malone Award Watchlists and was also a preseason first-team All-Big 12 pick. Fifth-year forward Delrecco Gillespie joins him as a transfer from Kent State, where he averaged a double-double of 17.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound Gillespie is expected to be a critical addition and starter in the frontcourt. Returning redshirt sophomore forward Chase McCarty is likely Houston's best 3-point shooter and completes the starting five.
One of the Cougars' strengths this season is their depth. The bench features multiple returning players and transfers who played significant roles at their previous schools. Houston's frontcourt depth includes five-star freshman Arafan Diane, the No. 1 center in the class of 2026, who stands seven feet tall. Additionally, junior forward Braden East, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound transfer from Lamar, averaged nearly 13 points and nine rebounds per game last season. The Cougars also have another scoring option off the bench in senior Corey Hadnot II, who averaged over 20 points per game at Purdue Fort Wayne. Redshirt junior guard Kordel Jefferson is also likely to have a chance to shine this season.
Houston has 16 home games this season, including critical matchups against all top Big 12 competition such as Arizona, Kansas, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and BYU. The Cougars also travel to the Player's Era Tournament in Las Vegas, which could feature intriguing games. Houston also faces No. 20 Alabama at Madison Square Garden in New York, Florida State in Jacksonville, Fla., and California in Lake Tahoe at Stateline, Nevada.
With more experience and a deep, talented roster that can dominate in the paint and hit outside shots, the Cougars have a strong chance to go far this season.