Houston Cougars Shine: Nine Players Named to Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

The University of Houston Cougars are making waves early in the college football season, boasting nine players on the prestigious Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List. This list highlights the top college football players eligible for the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl and the 2026 NFL Draft. Let’s dive into which Cougars are turning heads and what this recognition means for the program’s future.

A Legacy of Cougars in the Shrine Bowl

Houston’s connection to the East-West Shrine Bowl runs deep, dating back to 1952. Over the years, 31 Cougars have participated, with nine making their mark in the last decade alone. This continued presence underscores the program’s ability to develop talent ready for the next level.

Meet the Cougars on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Nine outstanding players represent the University of Houston on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List. Here’s a closer look at their accomplishments:

Carlos Allen Jr., Defensive Lineman

Allen quickly became a defensive force after joining the Cougars in 2024. His impact is undeniable, with two fumble recoveries last season, ranking second in the Big 12 and 17th nationally. He also recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an impressive 84.4 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus, which led Big 12 interior defenders. Allen is a disruptive force to be reckoned with.

Harvey Broussard III, Wide Receiver

Broussard III brings experience from Louisiana, where he played in 29 games, starting 19. He caught 55 passes for 803 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, he had 31 receptions for 486 yards, averaging 37.38 receiving yards per game, all ranking third on his team. Broussard is ready to become a key receiver for Houston.

Dean Connors, Running Back

Connors arrived in Houston with a strong resume from Rice, where he rushed for 1,679 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a two-time All-American Conference selection, he stands out as the only FBS player with 700+ rushing yards and 400+ receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. His versatility makes him a dynamic threat.

Did you know? Versatile running backs like Dean Connors are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern NFL due to their ability to contribute in both the running and passing game.

Tanner Koziol, Tight End

Koziol, a transfer from Ball State, earned a 2024 College Football Network Third-Team All-American nod. He ranked fourth nationally with 7.8 receptions per game last season and broke Ball State’s single-season and career receptions records for a tight end. He has 163 career receptions for 1,507 yards and 18 touchdowns. Koziol is set to elevate the Cougars’ passing game.

Latrell McCutchin Sr., Defensive Back

McCutchin, a cornerback, started all 12 games for the Cougars in 2024, achieving single-season bests in tackles (34), pass break-ups (3), and blocked kicks (1). He has 68 tackles and four passes defended in his 35 career games. McCutchin’s experience is invaluable in the defensive backfield.

Dalton Merryman, Offensive Lineman

Merryman brings Big 12 experience from Texas Tech. Last year, he appeared in nine games with six starts, playing 543 snaps. He allowed just two sacks in 267 chances after starting the year without allowing any sacks in the first five games. Merryman’s pass protection skills are crucial for the Cougars’ offense.

Marc Stampley II, Defensive Back

Stampley II comes to Houston after three seasons at Georgia Southern, where he had 125 tackles, 19 passes defended, and five interceptions. As an All-Sun Belt Second Team honoree in 2024, he finished fifth in the Sun Belt with three interceptions and 10 passes defended. Stampley adds a ball-hawking presence to the Cougars’ secondary.

Amare Thomas, Wide Receiver

Thomas, after two seasons at UAB, has 115 receptions for 1,107 yards and 11 touchdowns in 24 games. He earned All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2024 and set UAB’s freshman receptions record with 53 in 2023. Thomas is a proven playmaker.

Conner Weigman, Quarterback

Weigman, ranked as the ninth-best transfer quarterback in the 2025 class by 247Sports, played for Texas A&M for three seasons. He completed 60% of his passes for 2,694 yards and 19 touchdowns. He posted a 13-0 TD-INT ratio in his first six games and was one of five quarterbacks last season with an 80%+ completion percentage against a Top-10 team. Weigman is poised to lead the Cougars’ offense to new heights.

What Does the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List Mean?

Being named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List is a significant achievement. It signals that these players are on the radar of NFL scouts and have the potential to compete at the highest level. This recognition can boost their draft stock and open doors to future opportunities.

The Future is Bright for Houston Cougars Football

With nine players on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List, the Houston Cougars are demonstrating a commitment to excellence and player development. Keep an eye on these athletes as they continue to make their mark on the college football landscape.

Pro Tip: Following these players’ stats and performances throughout the season can provide valuable insights into their potential NFL careers.

FAQ About the Shrine Bowl and NFL Draft

What is the East-West Shrine Bowl?

It’s an annual college football all-star game showcasing top talent to NFL scouts.

Who sponsors the Shrine Bowl?

Shriners International sponsors the game, supporting their charitable efforts.

What is the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List?

A list of 1,000 top college players eligible for the Shrine Bowl and NFL Draft.

How many Cougars have played in the Shrine Bowl?

31 Cougars have participated, including nine in the last decade.

When is the 2026 NFL Draft?

The exact date varies, but it’s typically held in late April.

Support the Houston Cougars

Want to get involved and support the Houston Cougars? Consider purchasing season tickets or joining the 46ers and The Huddle to provide financial support directly to the football program.

Stay connected with the team by following @UHCougarFB on X (formerly Twitter) and liking the Houston Cougar Football page on Facebook. You can also follow them on Instagram at uhcougarfb.

Now it’s your turn: Which Cougar are you most excited to watch this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!