


Transfers are key to Houston’s roster construction, but not the majority. “If you don’t have a staff dedicated solely to (the portal), I think you’re gonna get behind,” said Casey Smithson, Houston’s director of player personnel. Houston’s heavy use of the transfer portal makes it a worthwhile investment. They’ll have seven full-time recruiting staffers, plus a paid intern. The Cougars’ recruiting staff grew significantly, too. Holgorsen said he’s pleased with the school administrative support in staff compensation and growth. Defensive coordinator Doug Belk, Holgorsen’s highest paid assistant, makes $1 million annually. The school added to the football staff’s salary pool twice in the last two years, bringing it up to $6.5 million. Houston beefed up its football staff in recent years to more closely resemble its new leaguemates. Although UH’s staff and roster should be Big 12 competitive, the Cougars will arrive in the league still pushing to bring their program infrastructure up to their competitors’ standards. How ready is Houston football for the jump, after spending the last decade in the American? The Athletic recently visited with UH staff and administration to gauge where the Cougars stand before making their return to a major conference.

“It’s what we’ve signed up for, so let’s go.” “The schedule is hard,” coach Dana Holgorsen said. That’s just one of the key tests on a schedule that includes 10 teams that made a bowl in 2022, seven that won eight or more games and three that won 10-plus. 16, when it hosts College Football Playoff finalist TCU. Houston will play its first Big 12 conference game on Sept.
