PITTSBURGH – University of Houston Football is gearing up for the NFL Draft, aiming to continue its impressive track record of selections. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday.
Draft Schedule:
- Thursday, April 23 (First Round): 7 p.m. CT
- Friday, April 24 (Rounds 2-3): 6 p.m. CT
- Saturday, April 25 (Rounds 3-7): 11 a.m. CT
Fans can watch live on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network, or stream on platforms like ESPN+ and Hulu.
By the Numbers: Coogs and the NFL Draft
- 193 all-time selections from the University of Houston.
- Drafted players in 9 of the last 10 seasons (starting from 2016).
- Six times since 2016, three or more players were picked in a single draft.
2026 NFL Draft Prospects
Several players are catching attention for the upcoming draft:
Tanner Koziol, a tight end, is ranked among the top 15 tight ends with a remarkable catch radius. He led all tight ends with 74 receptions and gained 727 yards, scoring six touchdowns.
Latrell McCutchin Sr. is a cornerback with an impressive record of 10 pass breakups. His PFF defense grade of 78.2 places him among the top cornerbacks eligible for the draft.
Wrook Brown, a senior safety, was a tackling machine, ranking in the top 7 nationally. His PFF grades in overall defense and tackling were outstanding this past season.
Carlos Allen Jr., a defensive lineman, made waves with 80 tackles. His skill earned him All-Big 12 honors, and he was third in run stops for draft-eligible linemen.
Dean Connors, the team’s running back, rushed for 977 yards, the best since 2015. He scored nine touchdowns and earned an impressive rush grade of 79.4.
Did You Know?
- Fifteen players from Houston have been picked in the first round. The most recent was Payton Turner in 2021.
- In 2023, Tank Dell became the first Cougar drafted by the Houston Texans, marking a historic moment. Before him, the last Houston player picked in the region was from the Oilers back in 1990.
- Surprisingly, the Carolina Panthers have never selected a UH player. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have drafted the most, with 12 selections.
The NFL Draft is not just about numbers; it reflects the program’s growth and player development. As fans rally behind their Coogs, they can see their efforts pay off in the form of draft selections, helping keep the university in the sports spotlight.
For more information on the University of Houston Football team and to stay updated, follow them on social media:
- Twitter: @UHCougarFB
- Facebook: Houston Cougar Football
- Instagram: uhcougarfb
For deeper insights into the draft’s impact on player careers, Forbes reported that nearly 67% of NFL players drafted in the first round sign lucrative contracts, demonstrating how pivotal this moment can be for young athletes’ futures.
