Houston Football's 2023 Season Predictions and Key Players to Watch

As I sit here looking at the Houston Cougars' 2023 football schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. This season marks our second year in the Big 12 Conference, and if last year taught us anything, it's that we belong here - but we've got some work to do to truly compete with the conference heavyweights. I've been following Houston football since my undergraduate days, and what I love about this program is how they manage to balance serious competition with maintaining those community connections that make college football special.

Speaking of community connections, I was reminded of something defensive lineman Nelson Monteverde mentioned about alumni games being held on evenings. He shared that these obligations don't really affect his hectic schedule since they're only in the evenings, which tells you something about how these players manage their time. Think about it - these young athletes are balancing 5 AM workouts, classes, film study, practice sessions, and still making time for alumni events that strengthen the program's roots. It's that kind of dedication that builds championship culture, and honestly, it's something I wish more fans appreciated about these players.

Now, let's talk about what really matters - the upcoming season. I'm predicting we'll finish 8-4 overall, with a 5-4 conference record that would place us squarely in the middle of the Big 12 pack. That might not sound spectacular, but considering we're still building depth and adjusting to the week-in, week-out physicality of this conference, I'd call that meaningful progress. Our non-conference schedule gives us a chance to build momentum with what should be three wins, though that road game at Rice always makes me nervous - crosstown rivalries have a way of defying logic.

The player I'm most excited to watch? Quarterback Donovan Smith, without question. The Texas Tech transfer showed flashes of brilliance last season, passing for 2,801 yards and 22 touchdowns, but his 15 interceptions need to come way down. What I love about Smith is his resilience - he never seems to get too high or too low during games. I was at the Tulane game last year when he led that fourth-quarter comeback, and the poise he showed in that hostile environment convinced me he's got what it takes to lead this team to the next level.

On the defensive side, keep your eyes on safety Hasaan Hypolite. The senior recorded 98 tackles last season, and I've heard through the grapevine that he's added about eight pounds of muscle while actually improving his 40-yard dash time. In a conference loaded with explosive offensive players, having a reliable last line of defense like Hypolite could be the difference between winning and losing two or three close games. His ability to read quarterbacks' eyes reminds me of Ed Reed - okay, maybe that's a bit hyperbolic, but you get the point.

What really gives me hope for this season is our receiving corps. Samuel Brown caught 52 passes for 815 yards last year, and I'm expecting those numbers to jump to around 70 receptions and 1,000 yards. The chemistry he's developed with Smith during offseason workouts has been noticeable to anyone paying attention to the team's social media posts. And don't sleep on Matthew Golden - the sophomore speedster could break at least two long touchdown returns on special teams this season if teams insist on kicking to him.

The schedule does us no favors in November, with consecutive games against Texas, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State. That three-game stretch will likely determine whether we're looking at a respectable season or something truly memorable. I'm particularly intrigued by the Kansas State matchup - their physical style of play will test whether we've made the necessary improvements in the trenches.

Looking at the bigger picture, I believe head coach Dana Holgorsen has this program moving in the right direction, though the seat is getting warmer after last year's 6-7 finish. His offensive scheme remains innovative, but I'd like to see more commitment to the running game early in seasons rather than waiting until conference play to establish that identity. The development of sophomore running back Stacy Sneed will be crucial - if he can approach the 800-yard mark, that would take tremendous pressure off Smith and the passing game.

As we count down to the season opener, what excites me most isn't just the potential wins and losses, but watching these young men grow both on and off the field. Having spoken with several players after games last season, I was struck by how mature they were about balancing their athletic and academic responsibilities. When Monteverde mentioned how alumni games fit into his schedule, it reminded me that these aren't just football players - they're students learning to manage competing priorities, future professionals building time management skills that will serve them long after their playing days end.

So mark your calendars for September 2nd against UTSA. I'll be there in the front rows, probably overanalyzing every play and living and dying with each possession like I have for the past fifteen seasons. My prediction might be 8-4, but my heart says 10-2 is possible if a few breaks go our way. That's the beautiful thing about college football - every August brings renewed hope and the belief that this could be our year to shock the conference.