The 2025 college football season begins in Houston on Thursday night when the Cougars welcome the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks to TDECU Stadium.

It's the first step in what the program hopes is a bounce-back year under head coach Willie Fritz, while Stephen F. Austin arrives eager to test itself against a Big 12 opponent.

How to Watch Houston vs Stephen F. Austin

Date: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Channel: ESPN

Stream: ( Watch on ESPN )

Stream: ESPN, Hulu, Disney+ Bundle ( Watch on ESPN )

After back-to-back 4–8 seasons, Houston spent the offseason retooling its roster and coaching staff. Head coach Willie Fritz, now in his second year, hit the transfer portal hard and landed quarterback Conner Weigman, giving the Cougars stability under center. Four new starter

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