Houston Basketball's Dominance Continues: Aiming for an Eighth Straight NCAA Tournament Bid and a Big 12 Three-Peat
The Houston Cougars have quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball, especially in one of the toughest conferences around.
Under the leadership of head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars have dominated since joining the Big 12, claiming the league title in their first two seasons.
In their inaugural Big 12 campaign, Houston went 32-5 overall and 15-3 in conference play, securing the outright championship. The following season, they achieved one of the most successful years in program history, winning both the regular season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA championship game as a top seed.
Now, as they embark on the 2025-26 season, the Cougars have two primary goals: to win a third consecutive Big 12 crown and secure an eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Sustained Success and a Culture of Excellence
Since 2018, Houston has consistently earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, missing only the canceled 2020 season. Even more remarkably, they have won at least one game in every tournament appearance and multiple games in six straight tournaments. During this period, the Cougars have amassed 17 NCAA Tournament victories, including six consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, three Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Four runs.
Under Sampson's guidance, Houston has an impressive record of 299-84 heading into his 13th season as head coach. The team has also achieved 20 wins in ten straight seasons, demonstrating their consistency and championship-level aspirations.
This winning tradition shows no signs of slowing down. The 2025-26 roster is deep, talented, and prepared to navigate the challenges of a demanding Big 12 schedule.
The season begins at the Fertitta Center on November 3rd, when the Cougars face Lehigh. Their first major test comes on November 16th in Birmingham against Auburn. The non-conference schedule also includes games against Syracuse, Tennessee, Florida State, and Arkansas, providing a strong preparation for the upcoming Big 12 play.
The Cougars will start their conference schedule on January 3rd against Cincinnati, a fitting beginning for a team expected to be among the nation's best once again.
Houston's combination of experience, strong defense, and discipline positions them not only to extend their tournament streak but also to make a serious run at the national title, which they narrowly missed last season.
