Houston Cougars Reload at Wide Receiver for 2026 Season

Veteran stars and promising transfers bolster Cougars' passing attack after loss of top receiver

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After a successful 10-2 campaign in 2025, the Houston Cougars have reloaded at wide receiver for the 2026 season. With the departure of star wideout Stephon Johnson, the Cougars have brought in several key transfers and returning veterans to fill the void. Senior Amare Thomas returns as one of the top receivers in the Big 12, while Oregon State transfer Trent Walker and ULL transfer Harvey Broussard III add depth and experience. Redshirt freshman Koby Young also looks poised for a breakout season after an injury-shortened 2025.

Why it matters

Maintaining a high-powered passing attack will be crucial for the Cougars as they look to build on last season's success and compete for a conference title. The additions of proven playmakers like Thomas, Walker, and Broussard should help offset the loss of Johnson and keep the Cougars' offense humming.

The details

Senior Amare Thomas is back after a standout 2025 campaign in which he finished second in the Big 12 in receiving yards and tied for sixth nationally with 12 touchdown catches. Trent Walker, a transfer from Oregon State, had back-to-back 800+ yard seasons for the Beavers and will provide another veteran target for the Cougars. Harvey Broussard III, a transfer from ULL, had a slow start to his Houston career in 2025 but now has a chance to emerge as a red zone threat on the outside. Redshirt freshman Koby Young, who missed most of last season with an injury, flashed big-play ability and could be the Cougars' deep threat in 2026.

  • Houston finished the 2025 season with a 10-2 record.
  • Stephon Johnson declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after the 2025 season.
  • Trent Walker transferred to Houston from Oregon State in the 2026 offseason.
  • Harvey Broussard III transferred to Houston from ULL in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Amare Thomas

A senior wide receiver who is one of the best players in the Big 12 Conference. He had 67 receptions for 966 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025.

Trent Walker

A senior wide receiver who transferred to Houston from Oregon State. He had back-to-back 800+ yard seasons for the Beavers and will provide veteran experience to the Cougars' passing attack.

Harvey Broussard III

A senior wide receiver who transferred to Houston from ULL. He had a slow start to his Cougars career in 2025 but now has a chance to emerge as a red zone threat on the outside.

Koby Young

A redshirt freshman wide receiver who missed most of the 2025 season due to injury. He showed big-play ability in limited action and could be the Cougars' deep threat in 2026.

Willie Fritz

The head coach of the Houston Cougars, who led the team to a 10-2 record in 2025 and has reloaded the wide receiver corps for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Amare Thomas is one of the best receivers in the entire Big 12 Conference. He's going to be a huge part of our passing attack again this season.”

— Willie Fritz, Head Coach (si.com)

“I'm excited to see what Trent Walker and Harvey Broussard can do for us this year. They're both proven playmakers who will complement Amare Thomas really well.”

— Willie Fritz, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Cougars will look to build on their 10-2 record from 2025 and compete for a Big 12 championship in 2026 with their reloaded wide receiver corps.

The takeaway

Despite the loss of star receiver Stephon Johnson, the Houston Cougars have assembled an impressive group of veteran talent and promising young players at wide receiver. This should allow them to maintain their high-powered passing attack and remain a contender in the Big 12 in 2026.