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Weigman, Houston Edge Oregon State 33-20 in Season Opener

Conner Weigman threw for 305 yards and a touchdown as No. 23 Houston defeated visiting Oregon State 33-20 at TDECU Stadium on Saturday.

Pierce Nash

September 6, 20262 min read

NCAA FootballFinal
Oregon State Beavers20
Houston Cougars33

September 5, 2026

Houston's Offense Finds Its Rhythm

Conner Weigman orchestrated the Houston Cougars' offensive attack with precision, completing 20 of 30 passes for 305 yards and one touchdown during Saturday’s season opener. The performance helped secure a 33-20 victory over the Oregon State Beavers at TDECU Stadium in front of 28,742 fans.

Despite throwing an interception, Weigman connected with Amare Thomas for a pivotal 31-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, giving Houston an early 6-7 deficit that quickly shifted in their favor.

Key Plays Define First Half Lead

Houston’s defense and special teams played crucial roles in establishing control. After Oregon State took a 7-6 lead on Braden Atkinson’s three-yard run, Jonathan Dimas kicked a 42-yard field goal to tie the game at 9-7 before halftime scoring began. The Cougars then exploded for nine points in the second quarter.

Re'Shaun Sanford II broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown run, followed by another Dimas field goal from 32 yards out, extending Houston’s lead to 19-7.

Oregon State struggled to respond, managing only six points in the third quarter when Jesse Legree caught a seven-yard pass from Atkinson, though their two-point conversion attempt failed. This kept the Beavers’ total at 13 points entering the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter Seals the Win

Houston maintained its momentum into the final period. Makhi Hughes contributed significantly on the ground, rushing 17 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. His one-yard plunge in the third quarter extended Houston’s lead to 26-7. In the fourth, Weigman added another score with a one-yard quarterback sneak, pushing the margin to 33-7.

Oregon State mounted a late rally, with AJ Newberry scoring on a four-yard run and Caleb Ojeda kicking the extra point, bringing the final margin to 33-20. Despite Atkinson’s strong passing day—29 of 48 for 376 yards and one touchdown—the Beavers could not overcome the early deficit.

Final Records and Standings

With this win, Houston improves to 1-0 on the season. Oregon State falls to 0-1. The Cougars’ balanced offensive display, led by Weigman’s passing and Hughes’ rushing, proved decisive in their home opener.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401856778

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Pierce Nash

Pierce Nash covers Fort Worth high school and area college sports.

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