![\"Amare](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01kvq95q8k8g90dtez09.jpg\" "\\"Amare")
<\/p>\nHouston football is coming off an impressive 10-3 season, finishing fourth in the Big 12 Conference in head coach Willie Fritz\u2019s second season with the Cougars.<\/p>\n
A big reason for Houston\u2019s success was the use of the transfer portal, and that aggressiveness in the offseason paved the way for a successful season in 2025.<\/p>\n
While transfer quarterback Conner Weigman will get most of the credit for Houston\u2019s complete turnaround, senior wide receiver Amare Thomas was a huge part of the success as well.<\/p>\n
Why AmareThomas Will Turn Heads In 2026<\/p>\n
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Amare Thomas (0) reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Cougars dominant 2025 season was fueled by an ultra-talented transfer portal class, led by Weigman.<\/p>\n
With Weigman passing for an impressive 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns in his junior season, that performance allowed wide receivers like Thomas to really have a breakout season.<\/p>\n
Before Houston, Thomas started gaining attention from major universities all over the country because of his first two collegiate seasons at UAB.<\/p>\n
Throughout his first two years, he totaled 115 catches for 1,107 yards and 11 touchdowns, which made him a perfect candidate for Houston.<\/p>\n
The Cougars took a chance on Thomas, brining him into one of the best conferences in all of college football, and it is now safe to say that the move paid off.<\/p>\n
In 2025, Thomas emerged as the top wide receiver after senior wide receiver Stephen Johnson suffered a season-ending injury.<\/p>\n
He burst onto the scene with an incredible season, tallying 67 catches for 966 yards and 12 touchdowns.<\/p>\n
Thomas is an absolute problem with the ball in his hands, and he averaged 14.4 yards per reception.<\/p>\n
Healso finished No. 2 in the Big 12 in receiving yards and touchdowns, and he did all of this while having opposing defenses solely focus on him.<\/p>\n
Now, with sophomore wide receiver Koby Young with a full year of experience under his belt, along with Trent Walker, a senior transfer from Oregon State who totaled 149 catches for 1,724 yards over the past two seasons, Thomas will now have a lot more room to work with so many other chunk-play threats on the field.<\/p>\n
Even with all the damage Thomas has done in his three-year career, still no one is talking about him.<\/p>\n
Houston football has one of the best receivers in the Big 12 Conference in Thomas, and he will surprise a lot of people after he makes a name for himself in 2026.<\/p>\n
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