Houston’s Willie Fritz named to 2024 college football freshman list

In a recent article by Carter Bahns of 247Sports, Houston’s Willie Fritz earned a spot in the Top 10 most exciting Power Five head coaching debuts for the 2024 season. The former Tulane coach earned the No. 7 spot on Bahns’ list, ranking ahead of a few newcomers like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti.

Houston decided to part ways with Dana Holgorsen after five difficult years, including his first year in the Big 12. Under Holgorsen, the Cougars faced a difficult transition, requiring a fresh start. In came Willie Fritz, a coach known for building programs. With strategic additions from the transfer portal and high school recruits, Fritz is poised to lead Houston through a major rebuild.

“The first year as a member of the power conference was marked by growing pains, but Houston hit the reset button with its coaching change and now appears ready to capitalize on its enormous potential in the Big 12,” Bahns said. “It will take time, but Willie Fritz is the caliber of coach who can transform the Cougars into a perennial conference championship contender. He has already taken Tulane to the top of the Group of Five ranks, and with even more resources, a bigger stage and the recruiting terrain that comes with the Houston job, Fritz has what he needs to spark the Cougars’ breakthrough.”

Willie Fritz Takes ‘Field of Dreams’ Approach to Houston’s Future

The upcoming season presents a new chapter for the Cougars as they prepare to open against UNLV on Saturday, Aug. 31. Expectations are high as Fritz brings renewed optimism and strategic vision to rejuvenate the Houston football program, aiming to make a breakthrough debut in the competitive Big 12 landscape.