Texas Longhorns vs. Houston Cougars Week 8: Defensive Players To Watch

The Cougars have struggled to develop a cohesive balance of chemistry since joining the Big 12

Although it held a Group of Five title for nearly three decades, Houston football has always carried itself with a Power 5 pedigree.

Following the end of the Southwest Conference in 1996, Houston and TCU were left to fend for themselves while the four other primary Texas-based schools joined forces with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and several Big Eight programs to form the Big 12. Bitter at the news, the Cougars festered while biding their time through tenures in Conference USA and the American Athletic Conference.

Twenty-seven years later, the wait is finally over. The Cougars are now members of the Big 12 and could be one of the conference's top programs in time. Maybe 2023 won't be the season where it all comes together, but the city is filled with four and five-star talent looking to stay close to home.

Texas heads 165 miles southeast of Austin to play Houston for just the fourth time this century. It also marks the final matchup these two will meet since the Longhorns depart for the SEC in 2024.

Despite losing to Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, Texas remains a favorite to win the conference title. Odds improved in favor of the Longhorns after Houston pulled off the last-second upset over West Virginia with a hail mary pass from Donovan Smith.

Houston (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) has faced criticism for its offensive regression under Dana Holgorsen's play-calling, but the defense hasn't improved under third-year coordinator Doug Belk. The Cougars rank outside the top 100 in total yards, pass defense and scoring despite adding a handful of competitive transfers from the portal.

Have there been a few bright spots in Year 1 of the Power 5 presence? Sure, but not enough to sway opinions that the Longhorns are on upset watch heading into Saturday's showdown.Follow along with LonghornsCountry.com as we preview every aspect of Texas' matchup with the Cougars throughout the week. First, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at TDECU Stadium come Oct. 21.

Houston Cougars defensive lineman Nelson Ceaser (9) tackles UTSA Roadrunners quarterback Frank Harris (0) during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Leaders

DL Nelson Ceaser

The top three pass rushers are off to the NFL, meaning Ceaser was expected to be one of the top returning players in the trenches. He's lived up to the billing, totaling a team-high 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.

LB Malik Robinson

Robinson has rebounded after a torn pectoral sidelined him for most of last season. So far through six games, he leads Houston in tackles (44) and has totaled two double-digit stop outings against both TCU and Texas Tech.

CB Isaiah Hamilton

While new to the Cougars, Hamilton was well known for his top-notch coverage skills in Houston while down the road at Texas Southern. Hamilton was regarded as one of the purest cover corners in the SWAC last season, and he's carried that over to the Power 5 level, totaling three interceptions and a pass breakup. 

DB Malik Fleming

Fleming is another undersized cornerback who's established himself as one of the more well-rounded defensive backs during his lone season at Houston. The East Carolina transfer won the starting nickel defender job this summer and has become a staple of the secondary, notching three interceptions and three pass breakups.