Houston

The University of Houston Cougars represent a legacy of championship excellence and cultural vibrancy anchored in Texas’s Bayou City since 1946. With 17 NCAA team national championships, the program has been led by its renowned men’s golf dynasty securing 16 national titles, producing stars like Fred Couples and Fuzzy Zoeller. Football highlights include the 2015 Peach Bowl championship and notable NFL alumni. The “Phi Slama Jama” basketball era of the 1980s captured national attention with electrifying dunkers like Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, highlighted by consecutive NCAA championship game appearances. The Cougars compete in iconic venues such as TDECU Stadium and the Fertitta Center, which have energized fans through championship runs and vibrant atmospheres. The scarlet and white colors, mascot Shasta, and strong traditions shape the identity of Cougar Nation. With their recent move to the Big 12 Conference, Houston’s diverse athletic programs continue an upward trajectory toward national prominence and sustained success.