Houston Cougars Climb to No. 3 in AP Poll After Defeating BYU

The Cougars' big win over BYU propels them into the top 3 of the latest AP men's basketball rankings.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Houston Cougars men's basketball team has moved up to the No. 3 spot in the latest AP poll after defeating BYU 77-66 over the weekend. The win improved Houston's overall record to 21-2 and their conference record to 9-1 in Big 12 play. This comes after the Cougars reached the national championship game last season before falling to Florida.

Why it matters

Houston's rise to the No. 3 ranking in the AP poll is a significant achievement, as it demonstrates the program's continued success and national prominence. The Cougars have established themselves as one of the top teams in college basketball, and this latest ranking will only further cement their status as a powerhouse to be reckoned with.

The details

In their victory over BYU, the Cougars were led by a strong offensive performance, scoring 77 points to BYU's 66. This win extends Houston's winning streak to four games, with their last loss coming against Texas Tech on January 24th.

  • The Houston Cougars defeated BYU 77-66 on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Cougars' latest AP poll ranking of No. 3 was released on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Houston Cougars

The Houston Cougars are a men's basketball team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. They reached the national championship game last season before falling to Florida.

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What’s next

The Cougars will look to continue their strong play as they push for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their next game is scheduled for February 15th against conference rival Texas Tech.

The takeaway

Houston's rise to the No. 3 ranking in the AP poll is a testament to the program's sustained excellence and their ability to compete at the highest level of college basketball. The Cougars have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the country and will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.