Five Houston Cougars Announced to Preseason All-Big 12 Teams
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In 2025, multiple Cougars had a reason why they should be some of the best players in the Big 12 conference.
In 2026, five Houston players could make that a reality, as they were placed on Pro Football Network's Preseason All-Big 12 teams: two returning and three transfers.
Here are the five Cougars who made the list and why they matter.
Amare Thomas - First Team All-Big 12
Wide receiver Amare Thomas is the lone Cougar who made the First Team All-Big 12. Last season, he racked up 966 yards and 12 touchdowns. The last time a Cougar had 900+ receiving yards and 10+ touchdowns was in 2022, when wide receiver Tank Dell had 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Compared to the other receivers in the Big 12, Thomas had the second-most receiving yards and touchdowns in the conference. Thomas is Houston's best threat on the offense with his speed, route-running abilities and ability to make explosive plays.
Three Offensive Linemen at Third Team
Offensive lineman Shadre Hurst sits on the Third Team All-Big 12. He came from Tulane and was graded as the No. 6 guard nationally by PFF in 2025 and helped Tulane rank in the top 10 in sacks allowed per game.
Additionally, he was named to the Sporting News Preseason All-America First Team.
Offensive lineman Anthony Boswell also sits on the third team. Boswell spent the 2025 season at Toledo and was graded No. 10 in offense, No. 3 in run block and No. 17 in pass block among FBS centers. He was also named to the Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List.
Finally, offensive lineman Drew Terrill rounds out the offensive linemen who made the Third Team All-Big 12. In 2025, Terrill was graded second in the MAC among offensive linemen, ranking No. 1 in run blocking for offensive tackles and No. 2 in run blocking among offensive linemen while with the Miami RedHawks.
These three linemen become pillars on the offensive line, proving to be reliable and consistent winners in the trenches.
Kentrell Webb - Third Team
Defensive back Kentrell Webb is the final Cougar who made the Third Team All-Big 12 roster. In 2025, Webb had over 70 tackles, four pass deflections and an interception. Webb is an anchor for the secondary and a veteran for the new defensive backs ready to play in the upcoming season.
All five of these players are notable and key pieces for Houston in the 2026 season, all proving why they belong on the list.
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Micah Clay is a staff writer for the Houston Cougars on SI. He is currently a freshman at the University of Houston and majoring in Sports Administration. He also works for The Cougar organization. You can find Clay on his Instagram(@mcjosh_btw_podcast)