Five prospects the next Houston coach should prioritize
Houston let go of head coach Dana Holgorsen on Sunday morning after a third losing season at the helm. Now, an intriguing Power Five job in the Lone Star State with real resources is available. Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Cole Patterson takes a look at five prospects that the next head coach of the Cougars should make a priority.
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Williams flipped his year-long LSU commitment to Houston back in the summer, giving the Cougars a huge win on the recruiting trail. A four-star defensive back, Williams emerged as a priority target early on in his prep career while playing at nearby Pearland (Texas) Shadow Creek. He is currently the highest-ranked pledge in the Cougars' class, making it even more crucial for the next head coach to hold onto him.
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Marsh has established himself as one of the premier pass catching weapons in all of the 2025 cycle. Playing at local Katy (Texas) Taylor, Marsh is right in Houston's backyard. National powers such as Texas, Oklahoma, USC and Texas A&M are involved, but the Cougars could pitch the high four-star on staying in the Houston area while also playing on the Power Five level and jumping on some of the NIL opportunities that the Cougars could provide.
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Watson, another electric class of 2025 talent, also plays right in Houston's backyard at Katy (Texas) Paetow. The four-star recruit can play all over the field - primarily playing quarterback on the prep level but is being recruited to play wide receiver in college. The Cougars made the cut for Watson's top-10 that he made earlier this month, and he's been a regular to the campus in his recruitment. Making Watson a priority for the 2025 class is a must for whoever takes the reins.
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Ferguson trimmed his list of potential suitors down to four with plans to commit on Jan. 2. Houston made the cut, but so did national programs such as Oklahoma, Oregon and Tennessee, providing the Cougars with some stiff competition for the local recruit out of Texas power Fort Bend Marshall. The 6-foot-3 and 175-pound pass catcher has a big frame on the outside with quickness to explode for big plays. Beating out the aforementioned three programs could be an early statement for the next head man in H-Town.
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Bell, like Williams, is already committed to Houston. But that shouldn't make him any less of a priority for when the next staff takes over. Bell is a high three-star prospect with the ability to grow into a long-time starter along the offensive line sooner rather than later for the Cougars. But maybe just as important, Bell plays at Houston power Spring Westfield, which also happens to be the home of former Houston star Ed Oliver. Keeping that pipeline going has to be near the top of the list for who is hired.