How to Watch Oregon State at No. 23 Houston: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

Houston begins its college football season against Oregon State Saturday in a rematch of last year’s overtime thriller.

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Sep 5, 2026

Houston begins its college football season against Oregon State Saturday in a rematch of last year’s overtime thriller.

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No. 23 Houston opens its 2026 season Saturday when the Cougars host Oregon State at TDECU Stadium. Houston enters the season ranked in the AP Top 25 after going 10-3 in 2025 under head coach Willie Fritz.

The Cougars have plenty of continuity heading into the opener, including several returning contributors on both sides of the ball. Senior running back Makhi Hughes is among the team’s biggest offensive weapons, while Houston also returns important pieces along its offensive line.

Oregon State, meanwhile, begins a new era after a 2-10 season in 2025. Former Alabama assistant JaMarcus Shephard takes over as head coach, while freshman quarterback Braden Atkinson is expected to make his first FBS start against the ranked Cougars.

How to Watch Oregon State at No. 23 Houston

Houston Cougars players celebrate after an interception during an NCAA college football game.

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Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN app

Oregon State Beavers

Head Coach: JaMarcus Shephard begins his first season as a head coach after spending two seasons at Alabama as an assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator.

Starting Quarterback: Braden Atkinson takes over the Oregon State offense and is set to make his FBS debut. The freshman faces a difficult opening assignment against a ranked Houston defense.

Key Players: LB Aiden Sullivan, DB Jaheim Patterson

Sullivan and Patterson are among the defensive players expected to anchor the Beavers as they begin a new era.

Houston Cougars

Head Coach: Willie Fritz enters his third season at Houston after leading the Cougars to a 10-3 record in 2025.

Starting Quarterback: Conner Weigman returns to lead a Houston offense that has several experienced pieces around him.

Key Players: RB Makhi Hughes, WR Amare Thomas, OL Shadre Hurst

Hughes is one of the nation’s top returning running backs, while Thomas gives Houston a proven target in the passing game. Hurst is also back to help anchor the offensive line.

Houston won the last meeting between these teams, rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Oregon State 27-24 in overtime in 2025. The Cougars lead the all-time series 3-1.