Houston battled through an unconventional season to go 3-5 last year as the Cougars look to return to the form that produced winning seasons from 2013-18.

Houston returns 18 starters from last year and expects to see a number of impact transfers in the lineup in 2021. The Cougars do not face Cincinnati or UCF — the top two teams in The American’s preseason media poll.

The top player is CB Marcus Jones, who earned All-America status as a return specialist last season and had four interceptions. QB Clayton Tune enters his third year as a starter and completed 170 of 285 passes for 2,048 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Tune added five rushing TDs as well.

WR Nathaniel Dell led the team with 29 catches for 428 yards and three touchdowns.